Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1C-200 N45TT accident near Bowling Green, Ohio

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that upon landing, the airplane veered as if the left brake was locked and the airplane exited the runway, incurring substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot also reported that after the accident, when the left brake caliper assembly was disassembled, a metal shaving was found in the bleed valve port. The non-ferrous metal shaving appeared to be the remnant of drilling operations as evidenced by its spiral shape. There was no flattening of the spiral shape that would indicate that the shaving had become jammed between the caliper piston and its bore. Examination of the brake caliper revealed no malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the lack of available evidence that the brake had become locked, it is likely that the loss of directional control was for non-mechanical reasons.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA176 for the full record.