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September 18, 1997 · Piper PA-18 · N2355H

Coldfoot, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 18, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Coldfoot, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N2355H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC97TA152

The airplane had just received a 100-hour inspection from a contract maintenance facility. The pilot was landing the tundra tire, tailwheel-equipped airplane on a gravel runway. During the flight, the pilot utilized a short section of tubing to direct heater air at his feet. During the landing touchdown, the pilot discovered the brakes were locked. The tires skidded on the gravel surface of the runway and the left wing struck the ground. The pilot indicated the brakes remained locked for about 2 hours after the accident. At that time, the wheels turned normally. The airplane utilizes a separate master brake cylinder/brake pedal assembly for each main wheel brake. The master cylinder/brake pedals are located on the cockpit floor, adjacent to the rudder pedals. The brake cylinders are normally serviced by adding hydraulic brake fluid through a small cap on the top of each cylinder. Maintenance personnel from the operator reported that overservicing of the brake cylinders, and heating of the cylinder assembly produced a locked brake condition.

NTSB Probable Cause

The overservicing/pressurizing of the hydraulic brake system by maintenance personnel that locked the brake system and prevented directional control.

Full Narrative

On September 18, 1997, about 1330 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire equipped Piper PA-18, N2355H, crashed during landing at the Coldfoot Airport, Coldfoot, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country government flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The airplane, operated by the State of Alaska, Department of Public Safety, Division of Fish and Wildlife Protection, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated at the Fairbanks International Airport, Fairbanks, Alaska, about 1030. The operator reported the airplane had just received a 100 hour inspection from a contract maintenance facility in Fairbanks, Alaska, and the pilot was returning to his post in Coldfoot. During the flight, the pilot utilized a short section of tubing to direct heater air to his feet. The pilot landed on runway 19 at Coldfoot. When the airplane touched down, the pilot discovered the brakes were locked. The tires skidded on the gravel surface of the runway, and the left wing struck the ground. The pilot indicated the brakes remained locked for about 2 hours after the accident. At that time, the wheels turned normally. The airplane manufacturer reported the airplane utilizes a separate master brake cylinder/brake pedal assembly for each main wheel brake. The master cylinder/brake pedals are located on the cockpit floor, adjacent to the rudder pedals. The brake cylinders are normally serviced by adding hydraulic brake fluid through a small cap on the top of each cylinder. Maintenance personnel from the operator reported that over-servicing of the brake cylinders, and heating of the cylinder assembly produced a locked brake condition.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportCOLDFOOT (0nm)
Runway19
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN2355H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 6 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingOvercast 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data