Cessna 172L N7250Q accident near Grass Valley, California

Probable cause

Loss of control during the landing roll due to a malfunctioning brake for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the landing roll, he applied the brakes to slow down; however, the left brake did not function properly, and the airplane veered to the right of the runway. The pilot attempted aerodynamic braking and used full left rudder in an attempt to return the airplane to the runway centerline. The airplane continued to the right down an embankment, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

Review of accident site photographs showed impressions from all three-landing gear in the dirt adjacent to the runway, with the right landing gear showing a more pronounced indentation in the dirt. due to heavy braking on the right side it is likely the right brake locked up.

A postaccident examination of the brakes revealed improper retaining bolts securing the brake calipers; however, both brakes functioned normally. No other mechanical anomalies were found that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA078 for the full record.