Cessna T206H N50101 accident near Halls Crossing, Utah

Probable cause

The airplane’s collision with a tree during an aborted landing. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s reported brake malfunction for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, he conducted an extensive preflight inspection and brake check, and he used the brakes multiple times while taxiing to the runup area and the runway. He reported that the brakes appeared to function properly. The airplane departed and later landed on a backcountry dirt airstrip. The pilot stated that the approach and touchdown speeds were appropriate, and the airplane touched down within the first few feet of the runway threshold. During the landing roll, however, the brakes did not respond to either the leftseat or rightseat brake pedals when the toe brakes were applied. The pilot subsequently applied full power, the student pilot selected 10° of flaps, and the pilot initiated a goaround. The airplane began to climb but collided with a cedar tree and then impacted the ground.

Postaccident examination of the airplane’s brake system revealed damage consistent with impact forces during the airplane’s collision with a tree and subsequent impact with terrain. A functional examination of the brake system did not reveal any evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. Due to the extent of the impact damage sustained to the airplane’s main landing gear and brake system, the nature of the malfunction was undetermined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA141 for the full record.