Incident Overview
On July 25, 2013, at approximately 1100 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 180H airplane, registration N28RR, experienced a ground excursion after landing at Putnam County Airport (4I7) in Greencastle, Indiana. The aircraft was operated by Quinet Life and Casualty Corporation under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan.
Flight Sequence
The flight originated from Sheridan Airport (5I4) in Sheridan, Indiana, at 1030, with the destination being 4I7. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported that upon touchdown and application of the brakes, he heard a "metal clanging noise." The airplane then made a sharp right turn, departed the runway, and tipped onto its left wing. The pilot was not injured.
Witness Account
The airport manager, who witnessed the landing, stated that the pilot executed a normal landing. After looking away for about a minute, he heard a crash. Post-accident conversation with the pilot revealed that the right brake "chattered" and caused a sharp right turn.
Aircraft Examination
An FAA inspector conducted a postaccident examination. The right brake assembly was disassembled; no preaccident malfunctions or anomalies were found in the brake, its associated lines, or the master cylinder. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar and the left horizontal stabilizer spar.
Additional Information
The FAA inspector noted that this was the pilot's first landing on an asphalt surface after the brakes had been serviced; all previous landings had been on grass strips. The right wheel brake pads had been replaced on May 10, 2013.