Soft/No Brake Runway Choice

[pelmet]

This was an interesting scenario. The brake that is needed for directional control is not serviceable. It would appear that there was a crosswind. A couple of thoughts on this. One is the scenario where one discovers they have no brake soon after touchdown and are starting to angle toward the side of the run way. Depending on the situation and type, one may be able to add power, turn it into a touch and go and once airborne, come up with a new plan such as a diversion to another airport with no crosswind or perhaps some thought about which type of a crosswind would be preferred for a single brake landing. It might be something to consider when one encounters a soft brake as well where one say to themself......How would a brake loss affect me from a runway length point of view and a crosswind point of view, which brake am I going to need with this crosswind. If it is the bad one, perhaps anding in the opposite direct is preferable. Might not be a bad idea to hold somewhere while figuring this out.

In this case, it appears that the loss may have been unexpected as the pilot was able to build up pressure. But it might be a good idea to anticipate this if there has been an issue. The report does say that power and reverse was used to try to maintain directional control but I am not sure how successful that could be. Any thoughts?

C-GJJK, an Air Tractor AT802 aircraft operated by Forest Protection Ltd was conducting a local
training flight at Fredericton International Airport (CYFC), NB. The crew was conducting circuits on
Runway 27 and on downwind, when checking the brake pressure, the right brake felt soft.
However, the pressure came back to normal when the pilot pumped the pedal with toe pressure.

On the landing rollout the aircraft slowed, however began drifting left due to weather-cocking.
When the pilot corrected by depressing the right brake, the pedal went to the floor. The pilot used
power and reverse to maintain directional control. The aircraft continued to drift left and exited the
side of the runway into the grass, approximately 10 feet from the edge. The tower asked if the crew
required assistance, and the decision was made to shut down and be towed back to the hangar by
maintenance.

Maintenance noted the O-ring was kinked on the right brake cylinder and fluid had leaked. The
brake was secured and towed back to the hangar. No injuries or any other damage to the aircraft
was noted.

[fish4life]

Reverse would help slow you but it would be worse for directional control because you will lose what little wind you have left going over the the rudder

[lownslow]

I’m surprised an Air Tractor even needs brakes.