Brake failure leads to runway excursion during landing

No fatalities • Gainesville-Lee Gilmer, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a loss of braking capability during the landing rollout, resulting in the plane exiting the runway and coming to rest in a drainage ditch.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the crew reported that the approach and touchdown proceeded without incident. However, as the aircraft reached approximately 2,000 feet into the landing roll, the braking system failed to function effectively. This loss of deceleration caused the aircraft type to continue moving past the end of the runway. The aircraft subsequently traveled down an embankment, crossed a four-lane roadway, and eventually stopped in a drainage ditch.

Findings

An investigation into the mechanical state of the aircraft revealed significant issues with the landing gear components. Specifically, three of the four brake assemblies were found to be worn past the permitted safety limits. Additionally, all four antiskid wheel generators were failing to produce the required voltage levels.

These electrical deficiencies directly impacted the landing roll; the low voltage from the wheel generator caused the antiskid system to become inoperative, which led to the failure of the outboard right main tire. Notably, the aircraft had undergone an A-1 through A-6 inspection only two days prior to the event, marking this as the first flight following that maintenance period. The A-5 inspection protocol specifically includes the examination of brake assemblies for wear and leaks.

Probable cause

The failure of the braking system was caused by excessive wear on multiple brake assemblies and insufficient voltage from the antiskid wheel generators.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-09-26 Learjet 24 accident near Gainesville-Lee Gilmer, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a loss of braking capability during the landing rollout, resulting in the plane exiting the runway and coming to rest in a drainage ditch.

Were there any fatalities in the 1999-09-26 Learjet 24 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-09-26 involved a Learjet 24, registration N224SC, operated by Dolphin Aviation, at Gainesville-Lee Gilmer, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the braking system was caused by excessive wear on multiple brake assemblies and insufficient voltage from the antiskid wheel generators.

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