NYC97LA180

The pilot landed a Piper PA-28-180 on a 1,900 foot long turf runway. A witness reported that the airplane touched down about 300 feet past the approach end of the runway. Before stopping, the airplane ran off the departure end of the runway into trees and was substantially damaged. An FAA inspector reported that an examination of the airplane revealed the brake reservoir was empty. The airplane had received an annual inspection on 7/2/97. The pilot reported that during previous operations, the brakes were spongy, but that he could remedy the problem by pumping the brakes several times. Interviews disclosed the pilot had not reported the spongy brake problem to the mechanic, and he continued to fly the airplane with defective brakes.

On September 9, 1997, about 1400 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, N2480R was substantially damaged while landing at Pheasant Run Airport, Leroy, Ohio. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight which originated from Ashtabula, Ohio, about 1345. No flight plan had been filed for the flight which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot stated:

"Brakes failed on touchdown, plane rolled into woods at the end of the runway."

According to reports from inspectors with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):

"...He [the pilot] touched down approximately 300 feet down the runway. After touchdown he applied the brakes and felt no pressure. He weighed his options of attempting to stop or add power and takeoff. He opted to continue the landing roll. He kept the nose of the aircraft up to utilize aerodynamic braking...and had the power at idle...."

"...Mr. Bragga noted that on previous operations of his aircraft...he had noted a sponginess in the brakes but that he could remedy that by pumping them several times. Other than the annual inspection that was completed on 7/2/97, no other maintenance has been done on the aircraft with no other problems noted...."

"...Inspection of the brake revealed no external leakage or excessive brake lining wear...Opened cowling and checked brake fluid reservoir and it was found to be empty with some residue at the bottom. No obvious leaks were found on the reservoir...."

. An interview with the mechanic disclosed he completed the annual inspection, but did not maintain records to indicate whether he had serviced the hydraulic reservoir. The FAA Inspector reported that the pilot had not notified the mechanic of the brake condition, and continued to fly the airplane with deffective brakes.

According to FAA data, runway 23 was 1,900 feet long, 120 feet wide, and had a turf surface.