Accident Overview
On November 23, 2018, about 1105 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172L, registration N7081Q, was substantially damaged when it impacted a parked airplane while taxiing near North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The commercial pilot was not injured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Narrative
The pilot reported that the brakes operated normally at the departure airport. After landing at the destination airport, while taxiing, a wind gust pushed the tail to the right. The pilot attempted to correct with full right rudder but could not. He then applied the right brake, at which point the right brake failed. Applying both brakes caused an exaggerated left turn. He released the left brake and pulled the mixture control to stop the engine. As the airplane rolled at about 1 to 2 mph, it struck a parked airplane.
Post-Accident Examination
The owner-operator, an airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization, examined the airplane the same day. He reported seeing no fluid or very little fluid on the ground under the right brake or along its path. After removing the right brake, no fluid drained from the separated brake line. Inspection of the brake revealed one brake lining worn within limits and the other worn to the limit. Before removing the piston from the cylinder assembly, fluid was noted on the outside of the cylinder, caused by a deteriorated O-ring or packing.
Maintenance History
According to maintenance records, the brake linings on both brakes were most recently replaced on June 18, 2018. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accrued about 389 hours since that replacement.