Cessna A185 N93039 accident near Mccall, Idaho

Probable cause

The disconnection of the brake cylinder actuator rod, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, during a wheel-landing, the airplane yawed left, and he applied right rudder to counter the yaw. The tail descended to the runway, and the left yaw increased. He countered the left yaw with a right brake and rudder application. He recalled that the right brake application was "completely ineffective" and that the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The airplane entered the rough gravel surface on the left side of the runway, and the pilot applied left rudder and left brake to intentionally ground loop the airplane. The right wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to a stop.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron.

Postaccident examination of the airplane's brake system by Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspectors revealed that the cotter pin and clevis that connects the right brake cylinder connecting rod to the inner right brake pedal connection point was detached, and it was not recovered.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA501 for the full record.