Piper PA-22-150 N4749A accident near Augusta, Kansas

Probable cause

The loss of brake effectiveness on landing roll for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident brake system examination did not reveal any anomalies, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the preflight run-up was uneventful and that the brakes worked normally at that time. After takeoff, she remained in the airport traffic pattern and returned for a full stop landing. The approach and landing were normal; however, during the landing roll, the brakes were completely ineffective. Upon reaching the end of the runway, the pilot thought that the airplane was still traveling too fast to safely turn onto the taxiway. She elected to overrun the end of the runway, and the airplane encountered a concrete culvert. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a brake system failure. However, the main landing gear tires did not exhibit any flat areas indicative of a skidding tire nor were any skid marks corresponding to the accident airplane observed on the runway pavement.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA471 for the full record.