What happened
On August 19, 2014, a Piper PA 34-200, registration PR-TAX, was performing a private flight from Santarém to Redenção, Brazil. During the landing phase at Redenção Aerodrome (SNDC), the pilot applied the brakes, but the right-side wheel brake failed to function effectively. This lack of braking pressure on the right pedal caused the aircraft to yaw sharply to the left.
The pilot attempted to regain control using the rudder and the remaining functional left brake, but was unable to maintain the centerline. As the aircraft exited the runway, the pilot shut down the engines. The aircraft subsequently struck a drainage ditch at the edge of the airfield, which resulted in the landing gear being torn from the airframe. The aircraft sustained damage to the propellers and the landing gear, though the pilot remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the flight's regulatory compliance. The pilot was found to be fully qualified with 250 hours of experience in this specific model. While the aircraft was undergoing a nationalization process and held a valid Special Flight Authorization (AEV), investigators determined the aircraft was operating outside the specific route prescribed by that authorization.
Regarding maintenance, the aircraft had recently undergone an Annual Maintenance Inspection in June 2014 prior to its export to Brazil, and all records were up to date. The investigation confirmed that the failure was specifically due to a lack of pressure in the right pedal piston line, which prevented the right brake from engaging.
Findings
- The right-side brake failure was the primary cause of the loss of directional control.
- The aircraft was operating outside the flight path authorized by its Special Flight Authorization (AEV).
- The impact with the airfield drainage ditch caused the structural failure of the landing gear.