Everything Appeared To Be Going Well Until The Pilot Asked, “Why Aren’t The Brakes Working?”

Location: Middle River, MD Accident Number: ERA22LA148
Date & Time: March 7, 2022, 10:45 Local Registration: N22AU
Aircraft: Cessna 525B Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled

On March 7, 2022, about 1045 eastern standard time, a Cessna 528B, N22AU, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Martin State Airport, (MTN) Baltimore, Maryland. The airline transport pilot and copilot were not injured. The airplane was operating under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations as a Part 135 ondemand charter flight.

According to the pilot, they maintained a stable approach to runway 15, a 6,997-ft-long paved runway, in windy and gusty conditions. They added about 5 knots to their reference speed to account for the added gust factor. Their landing performance data indicated they would need about 3,000 ft of runway to land. Upon landing, the copilot reported that the flare was normal, followed by a “good touchdown” and everything appeared to be going well until the pilot asked, “Why aren’t the brakes working?” The copilot applied brakes on his side and was unsuccessful in achieving any braking action. As they were nearing the departure end of the runway, they attempted to locate and use the emergency brake but were unable to before the airplane departed the paved runway surface.

Preliminary radar and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data indicated the airplane was established on a final approach on a heading of 136° and lined up with the runway centerline. Throughout the final approach, the altitude, speed, descent rate and heading appeared stable. About 2,400 ft out from the runway threshold, the airplane was at 325 ft with a ground speed of 116 knots before ADS-B data ceased. A review of recorded data from MTN revealed that, at 1053, wind was from 210° at 12 knots gusting to 21 knots. 

The airplane exited the end of the runway then proceeded through a marsh before colliding with a security fence and coming to rest. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector confirmed that the fuselage and wings sustained substantial damage. 

The wreckage was retained for further investigation.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov