Accident Details
The pilot of a tail-wheel equipped airplane was performing a landing on runway 25L. The airplane touched down in a three-point landing attitude on the centerline. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane began to veer to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder and left brake, but the airplane continued to the right, departing the runway edge into tall grass. The airplane then ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.
Pilot Observations
While taxiing the airplane back to the hangar after the accident, the pilot noted that the wind was blowing from the northeast and that runway 7L was now in use. He also observed that the left rudder and brake pedal required more travel distance than the right pedal, and the left brake exhibited reduced effectiveness during the return taxi.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the brake system was conducted. The examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the brakes.