Pilot Debrief

THOMAS CRAIG E WITTMAN W-10 near Stevensville, MT — 2017-03-28

Final reportGAA17CA212
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Date
2017-03-28
Location
Stevensville, MT, USA
Airport
32S
Aircraft
THOMAS CRAIG E WITTMAN W-10
Registration
N13XZ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to take off with a known master brake cylinder leak and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after landing at an airport along his route, he observed a leak from the left master brake cylinder. He added that he "wiped up [a] considerable [amount of] brake fluid from the floorboard," conducted a "thorough inspection" of the left brake, and then departed for another airport. He further reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane weathervaned into the crosswind, and he applied "full rudder and [the] application of brake found no brake available." He added that, after pumping the brakes, they began to function. The airplane veered off the runway to the right, and the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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