FLUSHING, MI, USA
N3065M
Piper PA-12
The pilot landed on runway 18 with winds reported (7 miles away) as 350 degrees at 7 knots. The pilot reported that during the landing the airplane veered to the left as if the left brake was stuck. He applied right rudder and brake to no avail. The airplane continued off the side of the runway where it contacted a hangar with the left wing. Post accident inspection of the brakes and flight controls failed to reveal any failure/malfunction.
On August 28, 1997, at 1835 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-12, N3065M, operated by a private pilot collided with a hangar following a loss of directional control while landing on runway 18 at the Dalton Airport, Flushing, Michigan. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Clio, Michigan, at 1825 edt. The pilot reported that he landed the airplane on the centerline of runway 18. He reported that when he applied both brakes he noticed a "slight pull" to the left. He corrected by using right rudder and right brake. He continued to report he then used uneven braking on both brakes at which time it felt as if the left brake locked up. The airplane veered to the left. The pilot reported he applied right brake and rudder to no avail. The airplane traveled off the left side of the runway where the left wing contacted a hangar. The airplane was inspected by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector on September 2, 1997. He reported, "Left and right wheels & brakes were inspected. Brake operation was checked. Both sides operated normally with no grabbing or binding. Wheels were removed, brake drums were slightly grooved, but wear was not abnormal. Brake linings showed no abnormal wear. Note: Brakes were heel operated, drum & shoe type brakes. Control surfaces intact and controls appeared normal except for ailerons disconnected for wing removal." The landing was being made on runway 18. Winds reported at Flint, Michigan (7 miles southeast of Dalton Airport) were from 350 degrees at 7 knots.
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind, the pilot's runway selection, and the hangar.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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