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August 20, 2018 · Cessna A185 F · N93039

Mccall, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 20, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mccall, ID
Aircraft
Cessna A185 F (1977)
Tail Number
N93039
Operator
Sawtooth Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA501

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, during a wheel-landing, the airplane yawed left, and he applied right rudder to counter the yaw. The tail descended to the runway, and the left yaw increased. He countered the left yaw with a right brake and rudder application. He recalled that the right brake application was "completely ineffective" and that the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane entered the rough gravel surface on the left side of the runway, and the pilot applied left rudder and left brake to intentionally ground loop the airplane. The right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. Postaccident examination of the airplane's brake system by Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspectors revealed that the cotter pin and clevis that connects the right brake cylinder connecting rod to the inner right brake pedal connection point was detached, and it was not recovered.

NTSB Probable Cause

The disconnection of the brake cylinder actuator rod, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, during a wheel-landing the airplane yawed left and he applied right rudder to counter the yaw. The tail descended to the runway and the left yaw increased. He countered the left yaw with a right brake application as well as the right rudder application. He recalled that the right brake application was "completely ineffective" and the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane entered the rough gravel surface on the left side of the runway, and the pilot applied left rudder and left brake to intentionally ground-loop the airplane. The right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. Post-accident examination of the airplane's brake system by Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspectors revealed that the cotter pin and clevis that connects the right brake cylinder connecting rod to the inner right brake pedal connection point was detached and unrecovered. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to landing that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:15 PDT
Nearest AirportMccall Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length6108 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185 F
Tail NumberN93039
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSawtooth Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-550D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Second Class · None
Crew 2None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 11 kt, gusting 5 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time16:10
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data