Accident Details
On June 28, 2013, at 1400 central daylight time, a Piper PA25-235 (registration N4812Y) was substantially damaged when it lost directional control while attempting to land on a dirt road near Salisbury, Missouri. The commercial pilot, who was also the airplane's owner and operator, was not injured. The flight was a local aerial application operation conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dirt road with a left crosswind. As the airplane slowed, he applied right rudder and brake. He noted that the right brake felt soft and attempted to pump it several times before deciding to abort the landing and go around. He also stated that the rudder pedal was contacting the hopper. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane veered off the road into a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that when the right rudder pedal was in the neutral position and the brake was applied, it held pressure. However, when full right rudder pedal was applied and the brake was pressed, the pedal came in contact with the hopper, limiting full travel of the brake. Investigators could not determine whether this partial brake extension would have provided sufficient braking action. The reason for the pedal contacting the hopper was also unclear.
Pilot Comment
The pilot stated that he had made several uneventful landings prior to the accident with no reported brake problems. He believed the accident could have been prevented if he had initiated the go-around sooner.