Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
failure of the brake on the right main landing gear as a result of water (ice) in the brake fluid, which resulted in a loss of braking control.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On March 9, 1996, about 1041 eastern standard time, a Cessna172K, N79058 was substantially damaged following a collision with a ditch and nose over at Asheville Regional Airport, Asheville, North Carolina. The airplane was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the ferry flight, and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight. The commercial pilot was not injured in the accident. The flight was taxiing for departure at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated that he was taxiing on taxiway Alpha, when he attempted to stop by applying brakes, the airplane veered off to the left. The pilot stated he applied hard right braking, and nothing happened. The aircraft continued to roll towards a ditch. The pilot shut down the engine, but the aircraft went through the ditch, and onto a large dirt embankment where the nose wheel caught, and the airplane nosed over.
The temperature at the time of the accident was 16 degrees Fahrenheit. Examination of the airplane right brake revealed that there was water in the brake fluid.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL96LA059