Beech 58 N25734 accident near Albany, Georgia

Probable cause

The mechanic's inadequate inspection of the brake system during the most recent annual inspection, which resulted in the failure of both left and right main landing gear torque plates and a subsequent loss of braking action.

NTSB analysis

While taxiing from the runway after landing, the commercial pilot noted "softness" when he applied the left brake. Upon entering the ramp area, he further applied the brakes and attempted to slow the airplane; however, the brakes had no effect. The airplane rolled off the ramp, into the grass, and impacted an airport perimeter fence.

Examination of both left and right main landing gear brake torque plates revealed that they had fractured in fatigue, and that the fatigue cracks emanated from corrosion pitting within the attachment bolt holes. The corrosion pits in the attachment bolt holes were stress risers that likely reduced the strength of the plates. It is likely that, during the most recent maintenance inspection, about 7 months before the accident, the mechanic failed to thoroughly inspect the brake system as required, which would have detected the corrosion and fatigue cracks prior to their ultimate failure.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA004 for the full record.