Accident Details
On March 19, 2015, at about 1630 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-30 multiengine airplane, registration N8403Y, was substantially damaged during a loss of control on landing roll at Red Bluff Municipal Airport (RBL), Red Bluff, California. The private pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries, and one passenger suffered serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight, which operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The flight departed Shelter Cove Airport (0Q5), Shelter Cove, California, at 1530, with RBL as its destination.
Pilot Report
In a report to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot—who was not multiengine land rated and logged 3 hours in make and model—stated that after landing on Runway 15 and applying the brakes, the airplane pulled sharply 90 degrees to the right. He released the brakes, but the airplane continued turning right, sliding sideways down the runway. Rudder and aileron inputs had no effect on the control loss. The airplane slid off the right side of the runway, onto dirt, then over a berm and down a 45-degree embankment. The landing gear collapsed, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The airplane continued downhill about 40 feet before coming to rest upright.
Postaccident Inspection
On April 20, 2015, at the request of the NTSB and under FAA supervision, a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic inspected the wheel and brake systems. No fluid leakage was found on either brake caliper, and both brake discs were in good condition. Both main wheel tires exhibited flat spots. When the mechanic actuated both brake pedals, they were firm with equal travel. A second FAA mechanic outside the airplane attempted to spin both wheels with brakes applied; neither wheel would spin. After brake release, both wheels rotated normally. The mechanic concluded that no abnormality was found in either wheel or brake system.
Weather
Reported wind at RBL about 35 minutes before the accident was 330 degrees at 4 knots; about 25 minutes after, it was 170 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot reported obtaining the Automatic Terminal Information Service prior to landing, which indicated calm wind.