Incident Overview
On March 9, 2015, at approximately 1800 Central time, an Aeronca 7AC airplane, registration N83643, experienced a main landing gear right brake malfunction during landing at a private dirt airstrip in Garrison, Iowa. The flight was conducted as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Occupants and Damage
The pilot and sole passenger were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its left wing after the left wing contacted a power line pole, which brought the airplane to a stop.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane in variable wind conditions. During the landing roll, he applied both heel brakes. When he released the brakes, he reported that the right brake did not release. The airplane veered to the right of the landing path, and the left wing subsequently contacted a power line pole.
Post-Incident Inspection
An FAA Certificated Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic identified normal operation of the brake during the airplane's recovery. At the direction of the National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-In-Charge, on April 13, 2015, the brake assembly was disassembled and re-inspected by an FAA A&P Mechanic. No mechanical anomalies were found, and the brake operated normally before and after the inspection.