Piper PA-22-150 N3662Z accident near Indian Trail, North Carolina

Probable cause

A loss of control during the landing roll due to a brake failure for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that, after landing about halfway down the 2,350 ft-long runway, the brakes did not respond and he was unable to slow the airplane. The pilot applied full left rudder and aileron to prevent the airplane from going down a hill off the end of the runway. The left wing impacted the ground and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to both wings.

A visual examination of the brake system did not reveal any anomalies; however, during a functional test, the airplane could roll forward without much resistance when the brakes were applied. A more thorough examination of the brake system could not be conducted due to the disposition of the wreckage, and the reason for the brake malfunction could not be determined based on the available information.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA281 for the full record.