General aviation pilot reported a brake malfunction during the landing rollout which resulted in a taxiway excursion. The flight entered the dirt and damaged a taxiway sign; no injuries were reported.
Synopsis
General aviation pilot reported a brake malfunction during the landing rollout which resulted in a taxiway excursion. The flight entered the dirt and damaged a taxiway sign; no injuries were reported.
Narrative
While training the student pilot in students owned and built experimental aircraft; 3 previous uneventful landings were performed; on the 4th landing a full stop landing was planned. The landing was uneventful until rollout when the student noticed that the right brake had failed and we would miss the first taxiway exit. The instructor gave instructions to the student to pass the taxiway exit and continue rollout to exits further down the runway. Upon reaching the second to last taxiway a gentle right turn was made; the aircraft continued the right turn even with applying left rudder pedal pressure and light left brake pressure. The engine was immediately cut off prior to exiting the taxiway; the aircraft continued into the dirt where the right main wheel contacted a taxiway/runway hold short sign; which broke away as designed. Aircraft fuel and electrical were secured off and a visual inspection of the aircraft and sign were conducted. The exterior inspection of the aircraft noted no obvious reason for the brake failure but the Tailwheel leaf spring assembly was loose and skewed off center and one bolt on the right main gear was broken from impact with the sign. The airport sign was slightly damaged and the breakaway posts were broken. A report was made with airport maintenance and notification of the damaged sign. After the incident the aircraft was pushed to the hangar where the aircraft student pilot/owner/builder stated both the brakes and the tailwheel spring had given him issues in the past. A mechanic is scheduled to inspect the aircraft and advise on repairs.
Second reporter narrative
Brake failure and tail wheel lost control causing airplane to hit sign. Light damage no injuries.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.