20100122026709A

Pilot's approach was high and fast and landed long on runway 11 at the Great barrington airport (kgbr) ma. The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing prior to the flight. The weather conditions just after the time of the event were recorded as winds light and variable out of the west, sky clear. Pilot stated that on approach he felt a push from the back and that he was faster than he wanted to be and he knew he was going to land longer than he wanted; however, he was committed to the runway. He also stated the winds had occasional gusts out of the northwest. Pilot also stated that once he was headed toward the snow bank and off the runway he did not want to overcorrect to the right back onto the runway for fear he may flip the aircraft by overcorrecting. Upon interviewing an eyewitness and first responder to the crash he noted that the aircraft seemed too high and fast and that it was still airborne approximately two- thirds down the 2,579 foot strip. He also saw the aircraft turn to the left and impact the snow bank. He also stated that he saw very large skid marks down the runway and it was very apparent that the left brake was more engaged than the right brake. When the eyewitness asked the pilot what had happened the pilot stated he was a little high and a little fast and that he tried to save the landing. The pilot also said that he had talked to a mechanic about a brake problem from the day before but flew the aircraft anyway. At the time of the accident the eyewitness noted the weather to be winds out of the west favoring runway 29. Sky was clear and runway was dry. Another first responder was interviewed and heard the pilot say that he was hard on the brakes and all of the sudden the left brake caught. A written report was obtained during the investigation from the pilot. In the report the pilot writes that the winds were light and variable with an occasional gust and a few bumps on final. He continues to write that the winds were shifting and that he had a push from the rear also on final. He transcribes that he landed beyond the numbers and still a little fast. He continues in his report that he stepped firmly on the brakes, felt some chattering but was straight at the time of touchdown and that all the sudden the aircraft swerved to the left. He states he did not want to overcorrect to prevent a flip and saw the snow bank approaching. He continues to write that he thinks the brakes locked up and that the right released and that the left stayed on a little longer which steered the aircraft off the runway. Upon further investigations the skid marks were measured to show two parallel symmetric skids on the center of the runway starting 733 feet from the end of the runway lasting approximately 260 feet. Then the left skid mark veering left off the runway and into the snow. The aircraft continued for another 141 feet and came to rest approximately 375 feet from the end of the numbers of 29 at the end of the runway. The right wing tip hit the snow bank at a very low angle, both main wheel marks in the snow disappeared, and the aircraft turned 90 degrees right. The nose wheel left a continuous mark in the snow. Upon examination of the aircraft it was determined that the right wing tip had impacted the snow bank and/or ground, and the nose gear strut assembly was bent to the left. A functional check of the toe brakes and parking brake proved satisfactory. The braking system exhibited no hydraulic leaks, and the brake linings were satisfactory. The visual inspection of the fuselage and right wing revealed that the fore and aft spars were damaged, apparently when the right wing tip impacted the snow bank. The flaps were found in the down position, and were not able to be retracted due to the right wing trailing edge being jammed against the fuselage. Both propeller blades were found to be bent from impact with the ground and/or snow bank.