Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that during the approach, he flew the airplane about 10 knots faster than normal due to wake turbulence from other traffic. While decelerating during the landing roll, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot applied right rudder but was unable to correct the direction. The airplane departed the runway to the left, struck a taxiway sign, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the pressure vessel.
Postaccident Examination
During a postaccident examination, the pilot observed that the left tire had blown out. The tire exhibited a flat, bald spot approximately the width of the tire, and fabric threads were visible around a hole consistent with a skid. In a follow-up conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Investigator-In-Charge (IIC), the pilot reported that during approach he verified brake hydraulic pressure, checked that his heels were on the floor, and stated he was the sole manipulator of the controls during landing.
The airport Operations Manager reported that during the recovery process no fluids were observed around the main landing gear. He also noted that airport surveillance video captured the landing sequence and showed "quite a bit of smoke" from the left tire during touchdown.
Maintenance History
The airplane's logbooks indicated the most recent maintenance was performed one month prior to the accident. The mechanic who performed the work reported that the pilot requested work on the oleo struts but not on the brake system. During the oleo strut maintenance, the brakes were unbolted and set aside until reassembly. After completing the oleo strut work, the mechanic ran up the airplane, taxied around, and tested the brakes with no observed abnormalities.
Wreckage Examination
An NTSB investigator and Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage. The NTSB investigator reported that the left brake rotor was normal in color with minimal wear, and the right main landing gear was unremarkable. The brake pedals were actuated, and pressure was heard at both main landing gear brake assemblies. The brake pedal foot pressure was also unremarkable.