Casualties unknown

2007-09-14: Beech A23-24 (N5073T) — West Chester, PA

West Chester, PA, US

On September 14, 2007, a Beech A23-24 (registration N5073T) was involved in an aviation accident near West Chester, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The total failure of the left brake disc due to corrosion. 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

An airplane touched down more than halfway down runway 9, veered off right after heavy braking. Investigation revealed left brake disc separated, right cracked, both corroded. Annual inspection 4 months prior did not note corrosion; AD 71-06-08 not applicable to this brake disc model.

Landing and Runway Excursion

The airplane landed beyond the halfway point of runway 9, a 3,347-foot-long, 50-foot-wide asphalt runway. The pilot applied heavy braking, which caused the airplane to veer off the right side of the runway.

Brake System Examination

Post-accident examination of the wreckage showed that the left brake disc had separated from its housing. The right brake disc had cracked but remained attached. Both left and right brake discs exhibited corrosion.

Recent Maintenance

The airplane’s most recent annual inspection had been completed approximately four months prior to the accident. The mechanic who performed that inspection stated that he did not observe corrosion on the brakes at that time.

Airworthiness Directive Applicability

Airworthiness Directive (AD) 71-06-08 addresses repetitive brake disc inspections and replacements; however, the make and model of brake disc installed on the accident airplane was not included on the AD.

Weather Conditions

Weather reported at an airport near the accident site around the time of the accident included winds from 160 degrees at 8 knots, varying between 120 degrees and 200 degrees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071005X01525. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.