Probable cause
The pilot rated passenger's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the improperly maintained main landing gear brake pads.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing in the tailwheel equipped airplane, the pilot rated passenger was manipulating the controls. After the airplane touched down, the passenger applied braking and believed that the right main landing gear brake locked up. The airplane subsequently veered to the right, exited the runway, and impacted terrain.
An examination of the main landing gear brake system revealed that the brake pads were extremely worn.
The I-lift wing struts were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA307 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 1, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Junction City, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Freeman Field (3JC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dawn
SUN DEVIL
- N-number
- N1418
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1985
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.