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February 28, 1994 · Cessna 421B · N421HA

Lagrange, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
February 28, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lagrange, GA
Aircraft
Cessna 421B
Tail Number
N421HA
Operator
Federal Aviation Admin
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
ATL94IA055

WHILE THE PILOT WAS TAXIING FOR ANOTHER TAKEOFF AFTER COMPLETING A FULL STOP LANDING, THE PASSENGER REPORTED HE WAS ASKED TO CHECK THE RIGHT BRAKE. HE THEN PUMPED THE BRAKE BUT IT DID NOT RESPOND. AT THIS POINT THE PILOT APPLIED LEFT BRAKING AND SWERVED THE AIRPLANE OFF THE TAXIWAY TO AVOID, ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, WHAT HE FELT WAS AN IMMINENT COLLISION WITH ANOTHER TAXIING AIRPLANE. DURING THE SWERVE MANEUVER ONE OF THE LEFT PROPELLER BLADES STRUCK A TAXIWAY LIGHT. THIS ACTION WAS TAKEN WHEN THE PILOT BELIEVED THAT THE RIGHT WHEEL BRAKE WAS NOT FULLY OPERATIONAL AND CAPABLE OF STOPPING THE AIRCRAFT. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO APPROACHING AIRPLANES WAS IN EXCESS OF 300 FT. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION OF THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MECHANICAL PROBLEM. THE DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE STATED THAT THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY OTHER PILOT REPORTS OF BRAKING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRPLANE BEFORE OR AFTER THE OCCURRENCE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL SWERVE OFF THE TAXIWAY TO AVOID A GROUND COLLISION. A FACTOR IN THE INCIDENT WAS AN UNDETERMINED MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRPLANE'S NORMAL BRAKE SYSTEM.

Full Narrative

On February 28, 1994, at 1515 eastern standard time, a Cessna 421, N421HA, collided with a taxiway light at the LaGrange/Callaway Airport, LaGrange, Georgia. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector's proficiency flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the incident. The airplane sustained minor damage to one propeller blade; the two FAA Inspectors were not injured. The flight departed Atlanta, Georgia, at 1415 hours. The pilot had completed a full stop landing on runway 13, and was back taxing on taxiway "A" for a takeoff. As the airplane approached taxiway "T", the passenger reported that he was asked by the pilot to check the right brake. The passenger pumped the brake, and it did not respond (see attached passenger statement). At this point, the pilot applied left braking and swerved the airplane off of the taxiway. According to the pilot, the collision with the taxiway light occurred while attempting to avoid, what he felt was, an imminent collision with another airplane taxing southeast on taxiway"A". The pilot elected to exit taxiway "A" 325 feet short of the centerline of taxiway "T". As the airplane rolled across the grass, one of the left propeller blades struck a taxiway light. The approaching aircraft turned left on taxiway "T", and continued to the terminal ramp (see attached airport layout). The subsequent examination of the brake assembly failed to disclose a mechanical problem with the brake system. During the functional check of the brake assembly, both left and right pedals were applied from a static position. During this phase of functional check, the right brake assembly required more pressure than the left. During the dynamic check, the airplane was taxied at different speeds. At each speed range braking was smooth and positive. The visual examination showed normal brake pad wear, and there was no air detected in the brake fluid system. During a subsequent telephone conversation with the Director Of Maintenance, he stated that there had not been any other pilot reports of braking problems with N412HA before and since this account. Additionally, there has not been any additional maintenance performed on the brake system since the on site examination.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time15:15 EST
Nearest AirportLagrange-Callaway (0nm)
Runway13
Runway Length5600 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 421B
Tail NumberN421HA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorFederal Aviation Admin
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · GTSIO-520-H · Reciprocating · 375
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data