Textron Aviation B300C N98FM accident near Fort Stockton, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a single engine and maximum braking effort.

NTSB analysis

The pilots were conducting single-engine landing performance tests on an unimproved, dirt runway at the time of the accident. The pilot reported the touchdown was smooth, after which the throttles were reduced, and maximum braking was applied. The airplane began to drift toward the right side of the runway. The pilot immediately applied left rudder and reduced braking. He subsequently “applied cautious left braking” to bring the airplane to the center of the runway without over correcting. These actions were not sufficient and the right wing impacted bushes and a small tree along the right side of the runway, although the main landing gear remained on the runway. After the accident, the pilot noted that the antiskid braking system may not have been operating properly.

Recorded data revealed the left brake pressure increased after touchdown consistent with the pilot’s effort to maintain the center of the runway. About 8 seconds later, the right brake pressure increased consistent with a maximum bilateral braking effort, and the left and right brake pressures began to oscillate consistent with normal operation of the antiskid system. The investigation was unable to identify any anomalies with respect to the airplane.

The pilot’s efforts to maintain directional control after landing touchdown were insufficient, which allowed the right wing to drift off the right side of the runway and impact the brush and small tree. The single-engine landing and maximum braking effort in accordance with the test plan likely hindered these efforts.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA209 for the full record.