N9483L

Substantial
None

American Aviation AA-1AS/N: AA1A-0283

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
NTSB Number
CHI08CA076
Location
Grantsburg, WI
Event ID
20080324X00372
Coordinates
45.683887, -92.687225
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The seizure of the left brake due to a buildup of ice between the rotor and brake pad. Contributing to the accident was the snow and slush covered runway, and the snowbank.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N9483L
Make
AMERICAN AVIATION
Serial Number
AA1A-0283
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1971
Model / ICAO
AA-1AAEA1
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SHUTE MICHAEL B
Address
21118 E RIVER RD
Status
Deregistered
City
GRANTSBURG
State / Zip Code
WI 54840
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot was performing touch-and-go landings on a turf runway covered with approximately 1-inch of wet snow and slush. The pilot had performed four touch-and-goes without incident. During the fifth landing roll, the pilot initially applied brake pressure to slow the airplane, but then released the brakes to allow the airplane to roll further down the runway. The pilot stated that the left brake seized and the airplane swerved to the left. The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted a snowbank and nosed over. A post-accident inspection revealed that the left wheel would not rotate because of ice buildup between the rotor and the brake pad. The airplane was equipped with a castering nose gear and on-ground steering was accomplished solely by differential braking.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI08CA076