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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 27, 1996 · Pezetel M-18A · N7643J

Mcgehee, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 27, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Mcgehee, AR
Aircraft
Pezetel M-18A
Tail Number
N7643J
Operator
Evans Flying Service
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA325

The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that he experienced a complete brake system failure as he applied the brakes during the landing roll. In telephone interviews with the investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that 'after touchdown on runway 36, he noticed that he had no brakes; however, he had hydraulic pressure.' The pilot was not able to maintain directional control, and the airplane went off the right side of the runway and came to a stop in a ditch. According to the operator, the brake failure was due to failure of the hydraulic brake system for undetermined reason. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated a total of 748 flight hours since new.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the brake system for undetermined reason(s), which resulted in a loss of directional control and a subsequent encounter with a ditch.

Full Narrative

On July 27, 1996, at 0800 central daylight time, a Pezetel M-18A airplane, N7643J, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while landing near McGehee, Arkansas. The airplane, owned and operated by Evans Flying Service of McGehee, Arkansas, was being operated under Title 14 CFR part 137. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated at the McGehee Municipal Airport at 0730. The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that he experienced a complete brake system failure as he applied the brakes during the landing roll. In telephone interviews with the investigator-in- charge, the pilot stated that "after touchdown on runway 36, he applied brake pressure which momentarily worked and managed to slow down the airplane." The pilot added that as "he reapplied the brakes a second time, he noticed the complete loss of wheel brakes." The pilot further stated that he checked the hydraulic fluid reservoir and the brake system prior to the flight. The flap system, which is also powered by the hydraulic system, was operational prior to the brake failure and subsequent loss of control. The pilot added that after losing the brakes, the "torque took over and [the airplane] ran off the runway." The pilot was not able to maintain directional control and the airplane overran the right side of the runway and came to a stop in a 5 foot ditch. Both wings and the empennage sustained structural damage. The right main landing gear collapsed. According to the operator, the brake failure was the result of the failure of the hydraulic brake system for undetermined reason. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated a total of 748 flight hours since new.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 CDT
Nearest AirportMcgehee Municipal (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length3008 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPezetel M-18A
Tail NumberN7643J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEvans Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPzl-Kalisz · PZL ASZ-62IR · Reciprocating · 947
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data