Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during enroute flight, he noticed a loose camlock screw on the engine cowling and decided to land at the nearest airport. During the landing roll, he applied the brakes but found they had "minimal effect." As the airplane slowed "very slightly," he judged he could make a taxiway turn. However, he stated that "the left steering did not effect direction," causing the airplane to exit the runway and go over the runway embankment.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that the brakes failed to slow the airplane to a complete stop and that the nose wheel failed to turn.
Post-Accident Inspection
A local mechanic inspected the brakes following the accident and found no anomalies.
Runway Marks and Observations
The airport manager reported that marks on the runway indicated the airplane touched down approximately 1,000 to 1,500 feet beyond the approach end of the runway. Additionally, there was approximately a 150-foot-long skid mark showing a skidding left turn before the airplane exited the runway.
Pictures submitted by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector showed the skid marks turning left while exiting the end of the runway.
Runway Characteristics
The airport supplement states that Runway 25 slopes downhill to the west.