A-1 Husky
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 2020; Flight Crew Type 25
Situational Awareness; Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Object; Ground Excursion Taxiway
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
Aircraft is equipped with amphibious floats and was in the water for 4-5 weeks. Waiting for good flying weather. When the weather improved; I flew for approximately 1-1/2 hrs. After touching down after an uneventful flight exited the runway on a high speed taxiway and applied brakes with absolutely no effect. There was a hangar close to the end of the taxiway and without directional control; my aircraft contacted the structure. Fortunately; only the toe bumper of the left float made any contact. On inspection; the cement bond of the outside portion of the bumper was separated (my Mechanic inspected the aircraft and float and recemented the bumper). There was some damage to the wall of the hangar which is being repaired. An Agent from the field arrived to take a report and subsequently notified FAA. (I have had the interview and presentation of records). The lesson learned was to test breaking efficiency especially when the brakes have been submerged. We pilots must never assume all systems will work every time and have an alternative plan for safe; controlled aircraft operation. The aircraft had slowed sufficiently; possibly moving 1-3 MPH at impact with the hangar. I have flown straight float equipped aircraft since 1975 and these amphibious floats and new aircraft to me sure ended up 'blind siding' me with the wet brakes. I was able to taxi to my tie down and have flown since with no problem. This aircraft is new to me since May of this year.
After keeping his amphibious float equipped Husky in the water for four to five weeks the aircraft is flown to an airport where it is discovered after landing that the brakes do not work. Minor damage to the aircraft results.