Aviation Accident Summary NYC04LA048

Laconia, NH, USA

Aircraft #1

N3116V

Beech 35

Analysis

According to the pilot, as the airplane touched down on the runway, he observed that the right brake was not functioning. The pilot attempted to move his leg over to the right seat rudder pedals in an effort to use the brakes on that side; however, during the process, he inadvertently pushed the throttle to the full forward position with his knee. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway, proceeded over a grass area, over an embankment, and came to rest nose low in a swamp. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the brake master cylinder had failed.

Factual Information

On December 13, 2003, about 1515 eastern standard time, a Beech 35, N3116V, was substantially damaged while landing at the Laconia Municipal Airport (LCI), Laconia, New Hampshire. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight that originated from Boire Field (ASH), Nashua, New Hampshire. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, as the airplane touched down on runway 26, a 5,286-foot long, 100-foot wide, asphalt runway, he observed that the right brake was not functioning. The pilot attempted to move his leg over to the right seat rudder pedals in an effort to use the brakes on that side; however, during the process, he inadvertently pushed the throttle to the full forward position with his knee. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway, proceeded over a grass area, over an embankment, and came to rest nose low in a swamp. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the forward fuselage area of the airplane. The inspector noted that the brake master cylinder had failed.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after experiencing a brake failure. A factor related to the accident was the failure of the brake master cylinder.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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