N4671V

On September 3, 1995, about 1545 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172RG, N4671V, was substantially damaged, when it veered off the runway, during the landing on runway 36, at Meriden Markham Municipal, Meriden, Connecticut. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured, and one passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight that departed from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania at 1415. The personal flight, operated by Raritan Valley Flying School, was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In the NTSB form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated:

At touchdown at Meriden...winds light, brake locked at touchdown and aircraft pulled to the right....Aircraft struck cyclone perimeter fence.

The FAA Inspector stated:

Inspection of runway 36 showed skid/scuff marks beginning approximately 1200 feet from the approach end of the runway. The marks were from both main wheels and appeared to be more scuff marks from side loading rather than skidding from heavy breaking. The marks continued for approximately 150 feet and veered to the right side of the runway....At approximately the runway edge, it appears that the tail began to drag....Apparently as the aircraft crossed the parallel taxiway it stopped its right turn and began to travel perpendicular to the runway. The aircraft traveled approximately 700 feet across a field and struck a chainlink airport boundary fence.

The FAA Inspector further stated, "Tires look good, no evidence of severe scuffing that would be associated with a locked brake."

According to the Airport Facility Directory, runway 36, was a 3100 foot long runway. Additionally, 25 miles northeast, the winds were reported, from 070 degrees, at 3 knots.

Additionally, during a telephone interview with the president of JRA Executive Air, Inc., Hagerstown, Maryland. He stated that the airplane was hauled to their facility to be repaired. During a brake inspection, the airplane was jacked up, wheels spun up, and the brakes applied. During the brake application, "both wheels came to a screeching halt."