Accident Narrative
Shortly after landing on a taxiway designated as 27 right, the airplane began to turn to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the turn but was unable to maintain control. The airplane subsequently executed a ground loop to the left at the intersection of the runway and taxiway A4.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated to an NTSB Investigator and an FAA Inspector immediately after the accident, while still at the site, that during the landing he had performed a three-point landing. Following touchdown, the airplane started to turn left. He tried to correct the turn but could not. In a later written statement to the NTSB, the pilot reported that he had held over Lake Parker until released to continue inbound to Lakeland Regional Airport. Due to a crosswind of approximately 10 knots with gusts, he was instructed to land on taxiway 27R. During the landing roll out, the brakes failed. He could not maintain directional control, and the airplane ground looped.
Post-Accident Examination
The day after the accident, FAA Maintenance Inspectors examined the airplane after it was recovered from the runway. A functional check of the brakes was performed. The left brake pedal offered little or no resistance when pushed. The right brake exhibited normal resistance (back-pressure) when pushed. No evidence of fluid leakage was found around the actuators or at the brake assemblies.
Weather Conditions
Recorded winds at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport at 0946 were from 190 degrees at 8 knots.