Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing with an inoperative right brake.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the agricultural application airplane was landing at a satellite airport when he noticed that the right brake was not operating. He executed a go-around and diverted to his home airport, which was equipped with a longer, wider runway. The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, a "gust of wind turned the airplane to the left," and he attempted to correct by applying full power. The airplane subsequently exited the left side of the runway and impacted a fence.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 4, 2016, about 1130 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164B airplane, N8400K, was substantially damaged during landing at the O'Brien Flying Service Airport (LA71), Ames, Louisiana. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by O'Briens Flying Service, Inc., under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial spraying flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, with no flight plan filed. The local flight departed a private airport about 1110. The pilot stated he had been conducting spray operations since 0730. While landing at a private (satellite) airport, he noticed the right brake was not operating. The pilot executed a go-around and diverted to LA71, based on his desire to land on a longer/wider runway. While landing on Runway 3, the airplane drifted left during rollout. The pilot applied full engine power in an unsuccessful attempt to correct to centerline. The airplane subsequently impacted a fence, which damaged both wings. Examination by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors revealed a failure of the right main landing gear hydraulic fluid line, which occurred at the b-nut for the engine cowl feed through fitting. The part number for the failed line was "Right Hand Tube Assembly, P/N A2526-4".