NTSB Factual Report

On September 17, 2012, about 1030 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 150F airplane, N8130F sustained substantial damage after it collided with a fence during the landing roll at Harvey Field Airport, Snohomish, Washington. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to the pilot, and operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that originated from Martin Field Airport, College Place, Washington, about 3 hours and 30 minutes before the accident.

The pilot reported that when he applied wheel brakes during the landing roll the airplane veered left. The airplane exited the hard surfaced runway and collided with a fence. The pilot reported that after the accident he discovered a crack in the right brake hydraulic fluid line and that brake fluid was leaking from the crack.

Postaccident examination of the airplane's right side brake assembly and associated brake line by representatives from National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration, revealed 2 small cracks in the rigid portion of the hydraulic brake line. The cracks were about 1-inch below a clamp that attached the hydraulic brake line to the gear leg. Both cracks were seeping red fluid consistent with hydraulic fluid. The exam also revealed structural damage to the right wing spar.

The pilot/operator failed to submit a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the right wheel brake hydraulic line during the landing roll, which rendered the brake system inoperative.