Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of control on the ground due to a malfunction of the right brake caliper.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
As the pilot reached 40 knots on his takeoff roll, the airplane started to drift off the left side of the runway. The pilot thought that he had encountered a quartering tailwind and tried to correct with right brake. The airplane then veered to the right and the pilot applied left brake and rudder. This had no effect, so the pilot reduced power. The wheels sank into soft ground and the airplane nosed over. Postaccident inspection revealed heavy black marks from both the left and right tires. The right wheel would not turn even with the brake line removed. When the brake caliper was removed, the wheel rotated freely. The caliper then appeared to function normally.
Source record
Factual narrative
As the pilot reached 40 knots on his takeoff roll, the airplane started to drift off the left side of the runway. The pilot thought that he had encountered a quartering tailwind and tried to correct with right brake. The airplane then veered to the right and the pilot applied left brake and rudder. This had no effect, so the pilot reduced power. The wheels sank into soft ground and the airplane nosed over. Postaccident inspection revealed heavy black marks from both the left and right tires. The right wheel would not turn even with the brake line removed. When the brake caliper was removed, the wheel rotated freely. The caliper then appeared to function normally.