Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control while landing on a slush-covered runway due to inadequate maintenance of the airplane brakes by maintenance personnel.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was returning to the departure airport after having flown for approximately two hours at various cruise altitudes. The pilot attempted a landing on runway 30 (2,394 feet by 48 feet), which was slush-covered. During the landing rollout, the airplane "swerved hard right" and into a snowbank, where it nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage, which included damage to the wing ribs, wing trailing edge, and rudder. A weather reporting station about 9 miles from the accident site recorded variable winds at 4 knots at the time of the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed that the brake pin lubrication had dried out and the right brake caliper would not release.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was returning to the departure airport after having flown for approximately two hours at various cruise altitudes. The pilot attempted a landing on runway 30 (2,394 feet by 48 feet), which was slush-covered. During the landing rollout, the airplane "swerved hard right" and into a snowbank, where it nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage, which included damage to the wing ribs, wing trailing edge, and rudder. A weather reporting station about 9 miles from the accident site recorded variable winds at 4 knots at the time of the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed that the brake pin lubrication had dried out and the right brake caliper would not release.