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May 6, 2022 · Swearingen SA226-T(B) · N36LC

Denver, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 6, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Denver, CO
Aircraft
Swearingen SA226-T(B) (1980)
Tail Number
N36LC
Operator
Cloud Peak Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN22LA195

The captain reported slower than normal acceleration during the takeoff roll. At 60 to 80 knots, the captain “pushed in the parking brake” handle and continued the takeoff. The crew reported no anomalies on the departure or while en route. While landing at the destination, the airplane swerved right and the captain lost directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion and substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination revealed that the right main landing gear brakes were seized and the right main landing gear tires had flat spots down to the wheel rims, consistent with no tire rotation during landing. No preaccident anomalies were observed with the braking system that would have precluded normal operation. According to the flight manual, proper release of the parking brake required the brake pedals to be depressed while the parking brake handle was pushed fully forward. The parking brake was likely not correctly released before takeoff, which allowed the right brakes to retain pressure and led to the loss of directional control during landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The captain’s failure to ensure that the parking brake was correctly released before takeoff, which resulted in seized brakes during landing and a subsequent loss of directional control and runway excursion.

Full Narrative

On May 5, 2022, about 2110 mountain daylight time, a Swearingen SA226-T(B), N36LC, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Centennial Airport (APA), Denver, Colorado. The captain and first officer were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight. After six passengers disembarked at Central Nebraska Regional Airport (GRI), Grand Island, Nebraska, the captain and first officer departed from GRI without passengers. During the takeoff roll, the captain reported that the airplane accelerated slower than normal. At 60 to 80 knots, the captain “pushed in the parking brake” handle and continued the takeoff. The crew reported no anomalies on the departure or en route to APA. During the landing at APA, the airplane swerved right, and the captain was not able to maintain directional control. The airplane departed the right side of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination revealed that the right main landing gear brakes were thermally damaged and seized. The right main landing gear tires had flat spots down to the wheel rims, consistent with no tire rotation during the landing. The left main landing gear brakes were not seized and the tires did not have flat spots. No anomalies were observed with the braking system that would have precluded normal operation. According to the flight manual, proper release of the parking brake required brake pedals to be depressed while the parking brake handle was pushed fully forward. If the parking brake handle was pushed forward without the brake pedals depressed, it was possible for the brakes to retain pressure.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:10 MDT
Nearest AirportCentennial Airport (0nm)
Runway35R
Runway Length10001 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSwearingen SA226-T(B)
Tail NumberN36LC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCloud Peak Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsHoneywell · TPE331-10U-51 · Turboprop · 900
Seats11

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 29 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind90° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 F / 37 F
Altimeter29.69 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data