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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 21, 2000 · Douglas DC-3 · N79MA

Key West, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 21, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Key West, FL
Aircraft
Douglas DC-3
Tail Number
N79MA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL00LA083

According to the pilot, after exiting the runway, he taxied normally to the U.S. Customs service ramp. Upon attempting to turn right at the Customs Ramp, no right brake function was available. The pilot said that due to the close proximity of other aircraft, differential power was not an option. The pilot stated that he cut the magnetos and tried to gently brake with the left brake. He said the left wing struck a parked Beech-18, damaging the upper engine nacelle and propeller. He said that the impact caused the airplane to continue to the left until the right propeller not rotating struck the left wing of the same Beech-18. Examination of the right brake found that the right expander tube had failed. As a result, the pilot was unable to stop the airplane before colliding with a parked and unoccupied Beech 18.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure of the right brake expander tube which limited the pilots control of the aircraft.

Full Narrative

On August 21, 2000, at 1300 eastern daylight time, a Douglas DC-3, N79MA, collided with a parked Beech 18, N697Q, while taxiing to the parking ramp after landing at the Key West International Airport in Key West, Florida. The airplane was operated by Missionair, Inc., under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan was filed. The pilot and co-pilot were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight had originated from La Ceiba, Hondurus at 0830. According to the pilot, after exiting the runway, he taxied normally to the U.S. Customs service ramp. Upon attempting to turn right at the Customs Ramp, no right brake function was available. The pilot said that due to the close proximity of other aircraft, differential power was not an option. The pilot stated that he cut the magnetos and tried to gently brake with the left brake. He said the left wing struck a parked Beech-18, damaging the upper engine nacelle and propeller. He said that the impact caused the airplane to continue to the left until the right propeller not rotating struck the left wing of the same Beech-18. Examination of the right brake found that the right expander tube had failed. As a result, the pilot was unable to stop the airplane before colliding with a parked and unoccupied Beech 18.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 EDT
Nearest AirportKey West International (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length4800 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDouglas DC-3
Tail NumberN79MA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWright · R-1820-56 · Reciprocating · 1200
Seats25

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data