Incident Overview
On July 29, 2024, at about 1330 central daylight time, an Evektor Aerotechnik EV97 Harmony, registration N916SR, was substantially damaged during a taxiway excursion at Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF) in Midland, Texas. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 business flight. The pilot and passenger were not injured.
Preceding Events
The airplane was on a multi-day cross-country flight. Two days before the accident, the pilot made a fuel stop at Austin Executive Airport (EDC) in Austin, Texas, where the main landing gear brakes were serviced due to complaints of sticking brakes while taxiing. Hydraulic fluid was added to the brake system, and the pilot reported that the brakes functioned normally following the maintenance.
Accident Sequence
On the day of the accident, the airplane departed EDC and landed without incident at MAF to refuel. After refueling, while taxiing from the fuel area to the runway for takeoff, the pilot reported that the right brake became inoperative. The airplane veered into the grass adjacent to the taxiway. During the excursion, the right main landing gear strut broke, and the right wing struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the main landing gear brake system revealed no anomalies. Additionally, the steering linkages for the nose landing gear assembly were inspected and found to achieve full travel.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the reported wind was from 140° at 11 knots, gusting to 19 knots.