Braking failure during landing at Virgin Gorda

No fatalities • Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands • Landing (descent or approach)

A single-engine aircraft experienced a loss of braking capability during its landing roll at Virgin Gorda, resulting in an excursion from the paved runway.

What happened

A flight traveling from St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands to Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands ended in a runway excursion. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and eight passengers, was performing its eleventh flight of the day. During the approach to the airfield, the pilot followed standard procedures for turning and configuration.

The aircraft type touched down on runway 03 without initial incident. After the pilot retracted the flaps, an issue was noted with the braking system. While the right brake initially showed a lack of expected responsiveness, the left brake pedal subsequently failed, dropping to the floor.

Realizing there was inadequate distance to stop the aircraft on the runway, the pilot attempted to pump the brakes, but they failed to provide necessary deceleration. Before the aircraft could exit the paved surface, the pilot shut down the engines. The aircraft then struck signage and a low wall before coming to a stop against an embankment. There were zero fatalities and zero injuries among the nine occupants. The aircraft sustained extensive damage.

Findings

The primary factor in the excursion was a mechanical failure of the braking system, specifically the loss of pressure or functionality in the left brake pedal during the landing roll.

Probable cause

A failure in the aircraft's braking system prevented the pilot from stopping the aircraft within the available runway length.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-02-11 Cessna 402 accident near Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands?

A single-engine aircraft experienced a loss of braking capability during its landing roll at Virgin Gorda, resulting in an excursion from the paved runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 2017-02-11 Cessna 402 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-02-11 involved a Cessna 402, registration N603AB, operated by Tropical Transport Services, at Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A failure in the aircraft's braking system prevented the pilot from stopping the aircraft within the available runway length.

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