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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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July 19, 2003 · Cessna 195 · N355ST

Racine, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 19, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Racine, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 195
Tail Number
N355ST
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA222

The aircraft was substantially damaged during landing when it departed the runway surface. The pilot reported the left brake locked during landing causing the aircraft to drift to the left of the runway centerline. He stated that as the aircraft returned to the runway centerline the left wheel began to vibrate and the left axle failed. He reported the aircraft veered off the right side of the runway and ground looped 180 degrees before coming to rest. A post-accident examination determined the left axle had failed. The axle showed no evidence of corrosion or pitting. The brake rotor showed no discoloration. Since the brake line was separated between the wheel and the strut, the integrity of the brake system at the time of the accident could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the left main landing gear axle resulting in the brake being locked and subsequent loss of directional control.

Full Narrative

On July 19, 2003, at 1730 central daylight time, a Cessna 195, N355ST, piloted by private pilot, was substantially damaged when it departed the runway surface during landing rollout on runway 14 (4,423 feet x 100 feet, asphalt) at the John H. Batten Airport (RAC), Racine, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The flight departed RAC at 1700. The pilot's written statement reported that upon touchdown the left brake locked, causing the airplane to drift to the left. He stated that "hard right rudder" was applied in an attempt return to the runway centerline. According to the pilot, "as the aircraft was brought to the center of the runway the left wheel began to vibrate." He noted that as he felt the left brake release, the wheel began to "excessively camber and subsequently the left axle failed." As the left axle failed, the aircraft veered off the right side of the runway. According to the pilot, the left landing gear strut subsequently "knifed" into the grass adjacent to the runway and the aircraft ground looped 180 degrees before coming to rest. A post accident examination determined the left axle had failed causing the left wheel assembly to separate from the strut. The axle showed no evidence of corrosion or pitting. The brake rotor showed no discoloration. Since the brake line was separated between the wheel and the strut, the integrity of the brake system at the time of the accident could not be determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CDT
Nearest AirportJohn H Batten (0nm N)
Runway14
Runway Length4423 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 195
Tail NumberN355ST
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJacobs · R-755-B2 · Reciprocating · 275
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data