N28989

According to the FAA, the pilot was making touch-and-go landings on runway 34 (5,100 ft X 100 ft, asphalt). The pilot said that when he landed, the left brake "stuck" and caused the left tire to skid. He said the nose gear collapsed, the propeller struck the runway, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. After examining the airplane, the FAA inspector said the nose wheel assembly had sheared off, breaking the weld in the mount area in the forward bulkhead, necessitating the replacement of the firewall. The inspector could find no discrepancies with the brake system. His report indicated "no binding or sticking" and the brakes worked normally. "The piston in the left caliper worked freely and the caliper could float. There were no flat spots or damage noted on the left tire to indicate a brake may have stuck or was dragging." The brake lining, however, was considerably worn.