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August 28, 1995 · Markwood BD-4 · N511BD

Connellsville, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 28, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Connellsville, PA
Aircraft
Markwood BD-4
Tail Number
N511BD
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC95LA218

The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the right brake 'completely failed immediately,' but the left brake functioned and pulled the aircraft to the left. Right rudder application was unable to correct this, and the aircraft went off the left side of the runway and into a ditch. Examination of the brakes revealed 'no signs of visible fluid leakage or broken lines.' The brake master cylinder caps were removed to check for fluid. The right cylinder showed no sign of fluid, and the left showed very little sign of fluid. There were no leaks or mechanical discrepancies in the brake system.

NTSB Probable Cause

Loss of braking action at the right brake, due to a low level of hydraulic fluid and inadequate maintenance, which resulted in the loss of aircraft control.

Full Narrative

On August 28, 1995, about 0800 eastern daylight time, a Markwood, BD-4, experimental, homebuilt airplane, N511BD, collided with the terrain during the landing roll at the Connellsville Airport, Connellsville, Pennsylvania. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane had landed on Runway 23 (3,457 feet long and 100 feet wide). The pilot stated that when he applied the brakes after touchdown: ...the right brake completely failed immediately; the left brake functioned and pulled the aircraft to the left. Right rudder correction was unable to correct this and the aircraft went off the left end of the runway [into a ditch]. The FAA examined the brakes and found, "no signs of visible fluid leakage or broken lines...." The FAA Inspector further stated: ...after removing the brake master cylinder caps to check for fluid, the right hand cylinder showed no signs of fluid and the left hand showed very little signs of fluid. I functionally checked the brake pedals finding the left spongy and the right hand hit the mechanical stop. At the time of the accident, the pilot had 590 total flight hours, and 380 flight hours in this make and model airplane. The reported local weather was; clear, visibility 12 miles, temperature 73 degrees F, winds calm, altimeter 30.05 inches Hg.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 EDT
Nearest AirportConnellsville (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length3458 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMarkwood BD-4
Tail NumberN511BD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data