Page:CAB Accident Report, Capital Airlines Trip 587.pdf/3

 that there was braking action on the left wheel. The right tire mark was identified at a point 936 feet from the approach end of the runway. The mark made by this tire showed that there was braking action on this wheel also.

From the paint where the right tire mark was identified, both left and right tire marks showed braking by both wheels until the aircraft veered to the left off the runway about 1,250 feet from the approach end at an an angle of approximately 30 degrees from the runway heading.

Shortly after leaving the runway the turn was stopped with the aircraft still heading about 30 degrees from the runway heading. It continued across a sod strip 111 feet wide and a taxiway 50 feet wide. 0n the taxiway the aircraft began a right turn. After leav1ng the taxiway the aircraft crossed another sod strip 13 feet wide to the brink of a steep emabankment. It paralleled this embankment for a distance of 58 feet, with the left gear hanging over the edge, and then plunged over, coming to a stop about 50 feet below the runway level. The aircraft came to rest in an upright position heading down the steep slope. There was no fire.

Investigation revealed that all damage to the aircraft occurred as a result of contact with trees and rough terrain as it proceeded over the embankment and down the steep slope. The flight control systems were examined and found to be capable of normal operation with some restriction due to impact damage of the left aileron. The wing flaps were fully retracted and the system was intact and capable of normal operation.

The right main tire, wheel, and brake assemblies were intact although the landing gear was damaged and folded rearward as a result of impact loads. The wheel axle and bearings were intact and well lubricated. The condition of the brake assemblies showed normal wear of both drums, all brake blocks, and related components. In addition, both drums were checked for an out-of-round condition and were found to be within tolerances.

The left main landing gear was completely separated from the airplane by impact. Its tire, wheel, and brake assemblies were also intact. The axle and wheel bearings were undamaged and well lubricated. The tire was undamaged except for a scrub mark one inch wide around its circumference at the extreme outboard edge of the tire tread. The brake assemblies showed a normal condition of both dunes and all brake blocks. One brake clearance measurement was zero inches; however, the wheel turned easily with no binding. The brake drums were also checked for out-of-roundness and found to be normal.

The brake pressure control valve and the main hydraulic system accumulator were examined and found to operate properly.

The maintenance records for N 44993 indicated that all inspections and correction of maintenance discrepancies had been accomplished as required. There were no carry-over items and the records indicated that the airplane and powerplants were in an air-worthy condition.

A special weather observation was taken immediately after the accident. The conditions at that time were: partial obscuration; 7,000 feet broken clouds,