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NTSB Report

August 29, 2001 · Grumman American AA-5B · N28665

Marietta, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 29, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Marietta, PA
Aircraft
Grumman American AA-5B
Tail Number
N28665
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD01LA088

The pilot reported that he knew the right brake was "soft," prior to his intended departure, "but he felt it would be ok for this flight." As the pilot taxied to the runway for departure, the right brake "failed" and the airplane traveled off the end of the runway and down a 10-foot embankment. Examination of the airplane revealed that the right brake lining was worn "significantly," which permitted the brake cylinder to extend beyond its limits, and the brake fluid to seep past the cylinder seal. Examination of the airplane logbooks revealed that the last annual inspection was performed 11 months prior to the accident. No maintenance had been performed to the brakes since that date.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's operation of the airplane with known deficiencies. Also causal was the loss of brake pressure, which resulted in the failure of the right brake, and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.

Full Narrative

On August 29, 2001, at 1615 eastern daylight time, a Grumman American AA-5B, N28665, was substantially damaged during taxi at the Donegal Springs Airpark (N71), Marietta, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector interviewed the pilot immediately after the accident. According to the inspector, the pilot said he knew the right brake was "soft" prior to his departure. He also said he tested the brakes during a taxi test, and the right brake was "still soft, but he felt it would be ok for this flight." During a telephone interview, the pilot reported that as he attempted to turn the airplane onto runway 27 for departure, the right brake "failed," and the airplane traveled off the end of the runway and down a 10-foot embankment. An FAA inspector performed an on-scene examination of the airplane. According to the inspector, the right brake lining was worn "significantly," which permitted the brake cylinder to extend beyond its limits, and the brake fluid to seep past the cylinder seal. Examination of the airplane logbooks revealed that the last annual inspection was performed on September 4, 2000. No maintenance had been performed to the brakes since that date. Additionally, the pilot did not respond to several requests made to obtain the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 EDT
Nearest AirportDonegal Springs Airport (0nm)
Runway28
Runway Length3250 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGrumman American AA-5B
Tail NumberN28665
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data