# NTSB ATL83LA307: Piper PA-28-181, N2135F, Rutherfordton, NC, July 28, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 28, 1983, 12:15 local (16:15 UTC)
- Place: Rutherfordton, NC
- Coordinates: 35.360946, -81.960723 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3609&lon=-81.9607&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6150
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA307
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6150/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA307

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - landing gear,normal brake system - worn (cause)
  - maintenance - inadequate (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not possible
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE PLT NOTED THAT THE RIGHT BRAKE WAS INEFFECTIVE. SHE REQUESTED THAT THE PLT IN THE COPILOT'S SEAT ATTEMPT TO REGAIN CONTROL, BUT THE COPILOT CONFIRMED THE SAME PROBLEM WHILE USING HER BRAKES. SINCE THE RWY WAS RELATIVELY SHORT, THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS HIGH & THE ACFT HAD A FULL LOAD OF PASSENGER'S, THE AIRCREW DECIDED NOT TO ATTEMPT A GO-AROUND. THE LAST PART OF THE RWY SLOPED DOWNHILL, MAKING THE ACFT MORE DIFFICULT TO STOP. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RWY, TRAVELED DOWN A SLOPE & WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. AN EXAM REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT MAIN BRAKE LININGS (CLEVELAND PN 6630) WERE WORN PAST THE RETAINING RIVETS & INTO THE METAL CALIPER. THE EDGE OF THE O-RING PISTON SEAL PROTRUDED PAST THE CYLINDER LIP & WAS BROKEN. ALSO, NO FLUID WAS REMAINING IN THE CYLINDER. THE ACFT HAD BEEN FLOWN APRX 129 HRS SINCE NEW BRAKE LININGS WERE INSTALLED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2135F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2135F), registered now, S/N 28-7990188 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 287990188
- Airframe hours: 728
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sue T. Ljungdahl
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 16, 1982, 128 hours before
- Departed: 57A, RUTHERFORDTON, NC
- Airport: 57A, Rutherford-County, runway 18, 4,400 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 216 total, 156 in this make and model, 121 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HKY, 33 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830728041329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830728041329A), Jul 28, 1983: Piper PA28181, Rutherfordton, NC, Substantial damage. Aircraft ran off left side of runway out of control. Right brake lining worn out, no brake fluid.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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