# NTSB MIA98LA027: Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3, N45018, Spruce Pine, NC, November 18, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 18, 1997, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC) - Place: Spruce Pine, NC - Coordinates: 35.909191, -82.060668 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.9092&lon=-82.0607&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 28, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 38428 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA98LA027 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38428/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA027 ## Probable cause The unintentional locking-up of the left brake for undetermined reasons resulting in the on ground loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the inability of the pilot to maintain directional control. ## Analysis While on final approach 20 mph above the normal approach speed, the airplane floated and landed past the 1/3 portion of the runway. During the landing roll the pilot applied the brakes but the left brake locked up and the airplane veered off the left side of the runway then nosed over. Post accident examination of the right brake revealed that the brake to rotor clearance was greater than the adjustment limits. No determination could be made as to the reason for the left brake malfunction; however, when the airplane was uprighted and towed from the accident site, the left brake remained engaged. ## Factual narrative On November 18, 1997, about 1500 eastern standard time, a Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3, N45018, registered to a private individual, nosed over during the landing roll at the Avery County/Morrison Field Airport, Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated about 1425, from the Greeneville Municipal Airport, Greeneville, Tennessee. The pilot stated that on final approach he was 20 mph fast and the airplane was landed past the first 1/3 portion of the 3,000-foot asphalt runway. He applied the brakes, but the left brake locked up and the airplane veered off the left side of the runway and nosed over. The airplane was uprighted and when attempting to tow the airplane, the left brake remained engaged. Postaccident examination of the right brake revealed the brake/rotor clearance was measured to be at two places .011 and .020 inch. The adjustment limits are .008-.010. No determination was made as to the reason for the malfunction of the left brake. ## 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 - locked (cause) - Nose over, landing - roll - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor) ## Aircraft - Registration: [N45018](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N45018), registered now, S/N 2744, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: NAVAL AIRCRAFT FACTORY N3N-3 - Registry model: [Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/naval-aircraft-factory-n3n-3) (registry code 6120202) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming R680](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-r680) (registry code 41540, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 2744 - Airframe hours: 5579 - Engines: Lycoming R-680-13 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Cecil C. Cook - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 10, 1997, 27 hours before - Departed: GCY, GREENEVILLE, TN - Destination: 7A8 - Airport: 7A8, Avery Co/Morrison Field, runway 16, 3,000 × 50 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 16,000 total, 10,000 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 23 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: HKY, 32 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 19971118034189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19971118034189A), Nov 18, 1997: Naval N3N3, Spruce Pine, NC, Substantial damage. Approach was too fast touched down late applied brakes hard. Skidded off runway nosed over bottom of embankment. (.4)while on final approach 20 mph above the… ## Other investigations on N45018 (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB SEA80DYM31](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA80DYM31), Apr 28, 1980: Naval Fcty N3N-3 (N45018), Pendleton, OR, substantial damage From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.