Casualties unknown

2004-04-17: Cessna 195 (N127DD) — Everett, WA

Everett, WA, US

On April 17, 2004, a Cessna 195 (registration N127DD) was involved in an aviation accident near Everett, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft as a result of a locked main gear brake during the landing roll. An inadvertent ground loop was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A flight instructor and student pilot experienced a partial ground loop during the sixth touch-and-go landing. The aircraft pulled right, and despite instructor inputs, it skidded to a stop. Post-incident inspection revealed hot brakes and skid marks, but no mechanical failure was found.

Incident Details

A flight instructor reported that a student pilot, who had accumulated approximately 10 hours of flight time since purchasing the aircraft, was practicing touch-and-go landings after completing air work. The first five landings were conducted without incident. During the landing roll of the sixth touch-and-go, the aircraft began to pull to the right. The instructor instructed the student to release the right brake and rudder, but the aircraft responded as if the student had increased brake and rudder pressure.

The instructor immediately applied full left rudder and braking action and reduced power to idle. Despite these efforts, the condition could not be overcome. The aircraft continued to skid toward the right side of the runway in a side-skipping motion, resulting in a partial ground loop. The aircraft came to rest on the side of the runway.

Post-Inspection Observations

After both pilots exited the aircraft to inspect for damage, they noted that when they attempted to move the tail back onto the runway, the aircraft would not move. They also observed that the right brake was very hot and smelled of hard braking, despite not having applied the right brake during the rollout. Skid marks from both main gear wheels were present on the runway.

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector examined the aircraft after it had been moved to a hangar. The inspector reported no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction with the brake system and did not note any evidence of heat distress.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040421X00496. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.