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March 15, 2011 · Bellanca 14-13-2 · N74291

Mesquite, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 15, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mesquite, NV
Aircraft
Bellanca 14-13-2
Tail Number
N74291
Operator
Frank N Partridge
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR11CA165

The pilot reported that the airplane had not been flown in several months, and during the preflight inspection, he found that the brake fluid reservoir was empty. He filled the reservoir and noted that the braking performance was good during taxi for takeoff. At the destination airport, the pilot chose to perform a practice short field landing. He immediately applied the brakes after touchdown but there was no braking action. He then vigorously pumped the brakes in an attempt to still make a short field landing. The right brake suddenly functioned, but the left brake remained inoperative. The airplane subsequently veered off the runway to the right as there was insufficient rudder effectiveness to straighten the airplane's tracking. The left wing impacted an airport perimeter fence damaging the wing and the lift strut. Additionally, the left main landing gear collapsed under the fuselage, and the right main landing gear splayed outward. The pilot stated that he could have easily made the midfield turnoff with no brakes.

NTSB Probable Cause

The malfunction of the brake system which led to the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane had not been flown in several months, and during the preflight inspection, he found that the brake fluid reservoir was empty. The pilot filled the reservoir and reported good braking during taxi for takeoff. At the destination airport, the pilot chose to perform a practice short field landing. The pilot stated that he immediately applied the brakes after touchdown but there was no braking action. He then vigorously pumped the brakes in an attempt to still make a short field landing. The pilot reported that the right brake suddenly functioned, but the left one did not. The airplane subsequently veered off the runway to the right as there was insufficient rudder effectiveness to straighten the airplane's tracking. The left wing impacted an airport perimeter fence damaging the wing and the lift strut. Additionally, the left main landing gear collapsed under the fuselage, and the right main landing gear splayed outward. The pilot stated that he could have easily made the midfield turnoff with no brakes.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 PDT
Nearest AirportMesquite Airport (0nm)
Runway01
Runway Length5121 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 14-13-2
Tail NumberN74291
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFrank N Partridge
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · GA4-165-B3 · Reciprocating · 165

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 32 C
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data