Accident Overview
On April 26, 2013, at approximately 1515 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 140A, registration N5314C, experienced a loss of control during the landing roll at Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Newburgh, New York. The certificated private pilot/owner and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, the tower reported variable winds and cleared him to land the tailwheel-equipped airplane on runway 27. On final approach, the wind sock indicated a direct left crosswind at 10 to 12 knots. The pilot adjusted for the crosswind using ailerons and rudder until touchdown, then applied left brake and rudder to maintain directional control during rollout. The left brake "seemed to lock," causing the empennage to swing to the right. The right tire separated from the right landing gear wheel, and the airplane came to rest facing approximately 190 degrees from the original direction of travel. The pilot and passengers exited without incident.
Damage and Recovery
Photographs revealed substantial damage to the fuselage, wing, and firewall. During recovery, the airplane was rolled backward, and the left brake "unbound itself."
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land rating. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on October 4, 2011. He reported 245 total flight hours, with 35 hours in the accident airplane make and model.
Maintenance History
A review of maintenance records indicated that the most recent owner-assisted annual inspection was completed on January 8, 2013, at 3243.4 total aircraft hours. During that inspection, the right side brake caliper o-ring was leaking, but the pilot/owner chose to defer maintenance. The left side brake caliper was found seized; it was removed, cleaned, lubricated, reinstalled, operationally checked, and deemed airworthy. The owner detailed work performed during the annual, including reattachment of the brake calipers.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, the pilot/owner disassembled and examined the left brake assembly before any FAA or NTSB examination. His examination revealed rust on the caliper slides and friction between the brake calipers and the disk when the wheel rotated.