Event Description
While taxiing a rental airplane for departure, the pilot experienced a failure of the right brake, causing the airplane to initiate a left turn. The pilot attempted to correct the turn by applying the right rudder pedal, but the airplane veered off the taxiway onto the grass. The airplane then pivoted 180 degrees, returned to the taxiway surface, and came to rest.
Examination Findings
Post-incident examination of the airplane revealed that a portion of the right main landing gear composite strut had separated. The right wing was buckled. The fracture surface of the composite strut showed discoloration consistent with a previous crack in that area. The airplane had undergone a 100-hour inspection on August 21, 2012.