Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172L near Grass Valley, CA — 2024-01-18

Final reportWPR24LA078
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Date
2024-01-18
Location
Grass Valley, CA, USA
Airport
GOO
Aircraft
CESSNA 172L
Registration
N7250Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

Loss of control during the landing roll due to a malfunctioning brake for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing roll, he applied the brakes to slow down; however, the left brake did not function properly, and the airplane veered to the right of the runway. The pilot attempted aerodynamic braking and used full left rudder in an attempt to return the airplane to the runway centerline. The airplane continued to the right down an embankment, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. Review of accident site photographs showed impressions from all three-landing gear in the dirt adjacent to the runway, with the right landing gear showing a more pronounced indentation in the dirt. due to heavy braking on the right side it is likely the right brake locked up. A postaccident examination of the brakes revealed improper retaining bolts securing the brake calipers; however, both brakes functioned normally. No other mechanical anomalies were found that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked brake system before landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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