NTSB Factual Report

On June 8, 2009, about 1000 eastern daylight time, a Yakovlev/Day YAK-11 experimental airplane, N7YK, departed the right side of runway 4 during landing roll, and struck a concrete drainage ditch at the Culpeper Regional Airport (CJR), Culpeper, Virginia. The certificated airline transport pilot was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal flight was operated as a maintenance test flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight originated from CJR about 0945.

According to the pilot, the airplane had been in maintenance for about 1 year and he was conducting a maintenance test flight. He stated that the brakes had been changed as well as the airspeed indicator. The takeoff and test flight were normal, "until the airspeed indicator stopped working." He discontinued the test flight and returned to CJR for landing. The airplane landed on runway 4, a 5,000-foot-long, 100-foot-wide, asphalt runway. During the landing roll, the airplane drifted slowly right into a grassy area and struck a drainage ditch. The pilot stated that he applied left brake to correct for the drift, but was successful.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found the right main gear separated and substantial damage to the right wing and fuel tank. The airplane was placed on jacks to allow the left main wheel assembly to be rotated. The right brake line was capped off and the brake system was serviced. Once the preparation was complete, the left wheel was rotated by hand. When pressure was applied to the left brake pedal, the left wheel stopped rotating. Additional pressure was applied in an attempt to move the wheel with no success.

The winds were recorded as calm about the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.