Champion 7GCBC N57477 accident near Big Creek, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB analysis

The airline transport pilot reported that during the landing roll on the grass/dirt runway after a cross-country flight, he applied the wheel brakes, and the airplane immediately veered to the left. Despite the application of brakes and rudder control, the pilot was unable to regain directional control as the airplane travelled off the left side of the runway, over a water sprinkler system, and through a fence before coming to rest.

The pilot reported that the left brake line had been breached during the accident sequence. The line was replaced, and testing of the left brake revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Postaccident examination of the airport's runway found it to be in good condition with no holes or defects that would prevent a normal landing. Thus, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR18LA216 for the full record.