Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-22-150 near Indian Trail, NC — 2023-06-16

Final reportERA23LA281
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Date
2023-06-16
Location
Indian Trail, NC, USA
Airport
28A
Aircraft
PIPER PA-22-150
Registration
N3662Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

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.

NTSB 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.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted landing if brakes were unresponsive earlier.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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