NTSB Factual Report

On May 25, 2002, at 1300 central daylight time, an Aero Commander 500-S twin-engine airplane, N98TT, was substantially damaged during landing roll on runway 12 at the La Porte Municipal Airport near La Porte, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by Max Bowen Enterprises of League City, Texas. The commercial pilot and the two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 business flight. The flight originated from Gatesville, Texas, at 1125.

The 3,111-hour pilot reported that after landing at normal speed, he applied brakes and the pedals "went to the stops." He immediately pulled the fuel shut off, feathered the propellers, and cut off all switches while maintaining directional control with the rudder. Realizing he wasn't slowing enough, he elected to steer the airplane onto the grass to reduce speed. Rudder control was used to exit the runway on the left side. The airplane contuned to roll to the airport perimeter fence, impacting it at approximately 20-25 mph, coming to rest in a ditch, just outside the perimeter fence.

A passenger reported that they landed and started to brake when the brakes "failed," and they went into the grass to try to slow down. The airplane collided with the fence and stopped in the ditch.

The FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, reported that the airplane's nose and nose landing gear were damaged, and the left wing sustained structural damage. Examination of the hydraulic system revealed a failed hydraulic line.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of a hydraulic line, which resulted in the loss of the brakes.