Cessna T210 N6386C accident near Pocahontas, Arkansas

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive use of wheel brakes while landing, which resulted in both brakes locking up, a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and a nose over.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot was landing the airplane on a 4,000-ft-long asphalt runway with a left quartering tailwind. He stated that the airplane started to veer to the left and that he applied the right wheel brake to correct for the left turn. He was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway and nosed over, which resulted in damage to the right wing. Examination of the airplane revealed the left wheel and tire spun freely, whereas the right wheel and brake assembly were tight. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal flight operations.

Runway skid marks were consistent with the right wheel brake locking up 1,100 ft from the runway threshold, followed quickly by the left wheel brake locking up 1,132 ft from the runway threshold. Both wheel brakes were locked up until the airplane exited the runway 1,500 ft from the threshold.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA241 for the full record.