Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of control during the landing roll due to a brake failure for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that, after landing about halfway down the 2,350 ft-long runway, the brakes did not respond and he was unable to slow the airplane. The pilot applied full left rudder and aileron to prevent the airplane from going down a hill off the end of the runway. The left wing impacted the ground and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. A visual examination of the brake system did not reveal any anomalies; however, during a functional test, the airplane could roll forward without much resistance when the brakes were applied. A more thorough examination of the brake system could not be conducted due to the disposition of the wreckage, and the reason for the brake malfunction could not be determined based on the available information.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 16, 2023, about 0945 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-22-150, N3662Z, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Indian Trail, North Carolina. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he applied the brakes after landing about halfway down the 2,350 ft-long runway, but they did not respond and he was unable to slow the airplane. The pilot applied full left rudder and aileron to prevent the airplane from going down the hill at the end of the runway. The left wing impacted the ground and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. Examination of the airplane by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings; the left wing strut was bent, and the outboard portion of the right wing was also damaged. The brake system visually appeared intact and contained hydraulic fluid, but during a functional test of the brakes, the airplane was able to roll without much resistance. A follow-up examination of the brake system could not be completed due to the disposition of the wreckage. According to the inspector, the pilot informed him about one month after the accident that the O-rings were bad; however, the inspector’s examination had not revealed any evidence of brake fluid leakage.