Accident Details
On October 28, 2018, at approximately 1645 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8132X, experienced a runway excursion and struck a ditch while landing at Simsbury Airport (4B9) in Simsbury, Connecticut. The airplane, operated by Interstate Aviation, Inc. under 14 CFR Part 91 for a personal flight, had originated from Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, about 1635. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed.
Flight and Incident Sequence
The pilot reported that he was conducting approaches and touch-and-go landings in the traffic pattern at 4B9. During the final full-stop landing on runway 21, after touchdown, the brakes "failed." He elected to steer the airplane to the right to avoid a fence and slow the aircraft in the grass. The airplane departed the runway surface and collided with a ditch. Both the commercial pilot and the pilot-rated passenger exited the airplane and were met by first responders. The pilot also noted that during taxi out for takeoff, the wheel brakes felt "sluggish."
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage. The left wing sustained structural damage, and the left main landing gear separated and was found near the wreckage. The left brake assembly pads showed normal wear, and the assembly was attached with two AN bolts. However, the brake assembly puck to brake pad and the brake supply hydraulic line exhibited evidence of leaking fluid.
Examination of the right main landing gear brake assembly revealed it was missing from its proper mounting position on the right gear trunnion. The assembly had not been installed onto the main wheel brake rotor with the required AN bolts. Additionally, the hydraulic fluid line and elbow fitting were not attached to the brake assembly.
Maintenance Records
A review of the airplane's maintenance records showed that a 100-hour inspection had been completed on October 10, 2018, 18 days before the accident. The inspection entry included servicing all tires, wheels, brakes, and the brake reservoir fluid. The main landing gear tires were also replaced during this inspection. The last maintenance entry where brake parts were replaced was dated October 16, 2017.