Primary finding
Probable cause
The stuck right brake at landing which resulted in a loss of control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot had replaced the brakes pads and repacked the bearing on both main landing gear earlier in the day. He reported that the hydraulic system was not disturbed during this maintenance. The taxi to takeoff was uneventful. When the airplane took off from airport, the pilot noted that the right wheel was “sticking.” He pressed the brake and could not determine if the brake was operating correctly. He entered the traffic pattern and returned to land. Upon touchdown the right wheel brake was stuck, and the airplane immediately veered to the right. The pilot applied left rudder and brake to try to regain control of the airplane but was unsuccessful. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted which resulted in substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the rudder. Postaccident examination of the airplane found that the right brake would not release until the bleed valve screw was loosened. Testing of the brakes system after the valve was released did not duplicate the stuck brake.