N7081QCessna 172L · 1972

On November 23, 2018, about 1105 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172L, N7081Q, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot stated that there were no discrepancies with the brakes at the departure airport; however, while taxiing after landing at the destination airport, he felt a wind gust push the tail to the right, which he could not correct with full right rudder. He applied right brake, and, at that time, the right brake failed. He then applied both brakes to stop, but the left turn became exaggerated. He released the left brake and pulled the mixture control to stop the engine, but, while rolling about 1 to 2 mph, the airplane impacted a parked airplane.

The owner/operator of the airplane, an airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization, examined the airplane the same day and reported seeing, "no fluid or very little fluid on the ground either under the brake or along it's [sic] path…." He removed the right brake, and no fluid drained from the separated brake line. Further inspection of the brake revealed that one lining was worn but within limits, while the other brake lining was worn to the limit. Before removing the piston from the cylinder assembly, he noted fluid on the outside of the cylinder caused by an O-ring or packing that had deteriorated.

The maintenance records reflected that the brake linings of both brakes were most recently replaced on June 18, 2018. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accrued about 389 hours since the brake lining replacement.