What happened
On 3 July 2016, a Jet Provost T Mk5, registration G-BWSG, was performing a private flight when it experienced a significant mechanical failure during its landing roll at Swansea Airport. Following a routine landing, the aircraft's braking system failed completely. To prevent the aircraft from overrunning the end of the runway, the pilot steered the aircraft at low speed into the grass area adjacent to the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot, and the aircraft sustained no damage during the excursion.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's braking system to determine the source of the failure. The inspection focused on the left brake system, where investigators identified a failure in a brazed joint located between a pipe and a fitting. Upon closer examination of this specific component, the AAIB found that a contaminant had been trapped within the brazed joint. This contamination weakened the integrity of the joint, eventually leading to its failure.
Further analysis of the component showed no evidence that any repairs had been attempted on the joint. Consequently, the investigators concluded that the contamination likely occurred during the original manufacturing process of the unit. The investigation also reviewed maintenance records and found no previous instances of similar failures within the Jet Provost fleet.