What happened
On 30 August 2000, a Taylorcraft F-19, registration G-BRIJ, was performing a private flight when it encountered difficulties during landing at a grass runway in Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire. The pilot touched down at the end of runway 20 at approximately 55 knots in near windless conditions. As the aircraft decelerated, the pilot lost rudder authority and attempted to use differential braking to maintain the centerline. However, the aircraft failed to respond to these inputs and began veering toward a nearby hedge and fence. The left wing tip struck the hedge, causing the aircraft to swing sharply to the left before coming to a halt with the propeller positioned just inches from the vegetation.
There were no injuries to the two occupants during the incident. The aircraft sustained damage to the fuselage between the wings and the tailplane, as well as damage to both wing tips and the elevators.
The investigation
Following the incident, an investigation was conducted using the pilot's accident report and subsequent telephone inquiries. An examination of the aircraft by the pilot/owner identified that the right wheel brake cable had broken. The fracture occurred roughly 12 inches from the eye-end connection to the right brake pedal. This specific section of the cable was located beneath the cockpit floor, where it was routed around a pulley that created a 90-degree change in direction.
Findings
- The loss of directional control was caused by the failure of the right wheel brake cable.
- The failure occurred in a location where inspection is notably difficult due to the cable being routed under the cockpit floor.
- The aircraft had previously experienced a similar failure of the left wheel brake cable in the same location.
- The aircraft's most recent Permit to Fly had been issued on 7 July 2000.