Great Lakes 2T-1A-1 N503GL accident near Roanoke, Texas

Probable cause

Inadequate maintenance of the brake system which resulted in the caliper binding closed and the subsequent loss of directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that when he applied “light even braking” during the landing roll, the airplane abruptly veered left. He added full right rudder and brake, but the airplane continued to the left and exited the runway surface. The airplane sunk into the soft dirt, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the upper wing and rudder. The pilot further reported that the brakes had been replaced during the last annual inspection which occurred about 1 hour before the accident. An on scene examination of the brake system revealed that the left wheel would not rotate. The brake caliper was disassembled; the caliper pins exhibited brake dust and brake fluid residue which is not consistent with new brakes. Therefore, it is likely the caliper was stuck closed during landing due to the brake dust and brake fluid reside on the caliper pins.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA267 for the full record.