Accident Overview
On January 18, 2024, at approximately 1240 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172L (registration N7250Q) sustained substantial damage during an accident near Grass Valley, California. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported no injuries.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that the flight to Nevada County Airport (GOO) and the subsequent approach and landing were routine. During the landing roll on runway 25, as the pilot applied brakes to slow down and exit, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot noted that the left brake appeared nonfunctional. The aircraft slowed to less than 35 mph while passing the taxiway turn. With the engine at idle, the pilot attempted aerodynamic braking and believed the airplane would stop before the runway end. The pilot then released the brakes and applied full left rudder pedal to correct to the runway centerline. The airplane continued to veer right, exited the runway's right side, traveled over an embankment, and came to rest inverted.
Damage Assessment
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings, vertical stabilizer, rudder, and propeller.
Examination Findings
A review of photographs provided by the Federal Aviation Administration showed that all three landing gear left impressions in the soft dirt adjacent to the runway. The right main landing gear impression was more pronounced than the left main and nose gear impressions.
A postaccident examination of the brake system revealed improper retaining hardware bolts securing the backplates of the left and right brake calipers. Both brakes were manipulated by the rudder pedals and, when activated, were reported as "firm" and functioned normally.
Examination of the nose landing gear oleo strut showed that the torque links were not contacting the centering block on the strut housing. The left and right steer rods were attached and had continuity with the corresponding rudder pedals.