Aircraft runway overrun following landing

Casualties unknown • Butler, PA, US

An aircraft overran a runway and struck a fence during landing due to ineffective braking performance.

What happened

During the landing phase, the pilot attempted to land on a 3,598-foot runway while experiencing a quartering tailwind. As the aircraft entered the landing roll, the pilot applied increasing amounts of braking pressure, but the brakes failed to provide the necessary deceleration. This resulted in the aircraft overrunning the end of the runway and impacting a fence, causing substantial damage to the aircraft.

The investigation

Investigators examined the braking system following the accident. Measurements taken at the brake bleeder ports for both the left and right brakes revealed significant discrepancies. After pumping the brakes, the maximum pressure recorded for the left system was 150 psi, while the right system measured only 50 psi. Additionally, the pilot reported that the landing was performed without wing flaps because they were inoperative and had been non-functional for several flights preceding the accident. The pilot also noted that a passenger on a previous flight had previously commented that the brakes felt "spongy."

Probable cause

Ineffective braking action during the landing roll leading to a runway overrun.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-06-17 Cessna 414 accident near Butler, PA?

An aircraft overran a runway and struck a fence during landing due to ineffective braking performance.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-06-17 involved a Cessna 414, registration N1654T, at Butler, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Ineffective braking action during the landing roll leading to a runway overrun.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050621X00827. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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