# NTSB MKC85LA122: Piper PA-28-181, N3502M, Des Moines, IA, June 7, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 7, 1985, 14:05 local (19:05 UTC)
- Place: Des Moines, IA
- Location: 41.5340° N, 93.6631° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at DES MOINES INTL (DSM), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5340&lon=-93.6631&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33957
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA122
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33957/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA122

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - landing gear,normal brake system - no pressure (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - fluid,hydraulic - leak (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,normal brake system - worn (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,replacement - delayed, company maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

DURING A FULL STOP LANDING THE PLT APPLIED BRAKES TO ARREST THE LANDING ROLL AND UPON APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES, THE ACFT VEERED SLOWLY TO THE LEFT WITHOUT SLOWING DOWN. THE CHECK PLT APPLIED HIS BRAKES TO ASSIST THE PLT, BUT WITHOUT ANY EFFECT. THE ACFT CONTINUED OFF THE RUNWAY WHERE IT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE ACFT BRAKING SYSTEM WAS REPLACED 140 FLT HOURS PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRENCE. THE ACFT IS USED EXTENSIVELY FOR STUDENT PLT TRAINING. THE ACFT BRAKE SYSTEM SHOWED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE BRAKE LININGS. THE BRAKE LINING PUCKS EXCEEDED THEIR EFFECTIVE LIMIT WHICH ALLOWED HYDRAULIC FLUID BLEED-BY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3502M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3502M), registered now, S/N 28-7890307, built 1978 (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: 28-7890307
- Airframe hours: 848
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Des Moines Flying Serv.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 10, 1985, 58 hours before
- Departed: DSM, DES MOINES, IA
- Airport: DSM, Des Moines, runway 30, 3,202 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 164 total, 1 in this make and model, 94 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DSM

## 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 19850607045799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850607045799A), Jun 7, 1985: Piper PA28181, Des Moines, IA, Substantial damage. During rollout, brakes were ineffective and aircraft veered off runway down embankment. Brake linings worn out.

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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