Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 5400; Flight Crew Type 1510
Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Excursion Runway; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Aircraft; Human Factors
Our flight was uneventful until touchdown. The weather was good and the aircraft touched down normally on centerline; with zero drift and in the touchdown zone. When brakes were evenly applied the aircraft slewed immediately and drastically to the left. I countered with full right brake and rudder and initiated nose wheel steering. The left main and nose wheel departed the runway. As the aircraft slowed the nose wheel steering became more effective which allowed me to steer the aircraft back on the runway. Postflight inspection revealed minor damage.
With the aircraft heading towards the safety area on the left side of the runway; I assisted the pilot flying by ensuring full right brake and rudder had been applied.
The flight crew of a DA-20 lost control of the aircraft upon brake activation following landing. They were only able to regain control after the aircraft's nose and left main gears exited the paved runway surface. Minor damage was noted by the reporters.