Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of directional control on landing for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the landing rollout on runway 28 with a light and variable wind, the pilot applied the brakes to stop the airplane. The right brake “grabbed and would not release,” and he applied “hard left brake and full left rudder” to maintain control of the airplane. The tail of the airplane began to rise and he then released the left brake. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted, incurring substantial damage to the right wing, the wing spar, and the vertical stabilizer. Post-accident inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found that the Hayes Industries expanding drum brakes appeared to be operating normally. The nearest weather reporting station reported at 1754, or approximately 24 minutes after the accident, that the wind was from 250 degrees at 8 knots. The weather reporting airport is located approximately 9 nautical miles west-northwest of the accident airport.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, during the landing rollout on runway 28 with a light and variable wind, he applied the brakes to stop the airplane. The right brake “grabbed and would not release,” and he applied “hard left brake and full left rudder” to maintain control of the airplane. The tail of the airplane began to rise and he then released the left brake. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted, incurring substantial damage to the right wing, the wing spar, and the vertical stabilizer. Post-accident inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found that the Hayes Industries expanding tube brakes appeared to be operating normally. The nearest weather reporting station reported at 1754, or approximately 24 minutes after the accident, that the wind was from 250 degrees at 8 knots. The weather reporting airport is located approximately 9 nautical miles west-northwest of the accident airport.