Aeronca Champion
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 810; Flight Crew Type 1
Training / Qualification; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Event / Encounter Object
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Aircraft; Weather
I have low time in tail-wheel airplanes and have never flown this make and model of aircraft; so [I] wanted to become proficient in the airplane. I had attempted to fly it once the previous week before the incident; but noticed there was no braking action on the right brake; making ground control extremely difficult. Upon inspection by a mechanic; it was noted the right brake was worn to a point it was no longer effective. The mechanic ordered a new brake and completed the installation on the day of the incident.I taxied the airplane extensively and noted adequate braking action on both brakes; so decided to take it flying. I flew north of the field and performed slow flight and several stalls to gain familiarity with the handling characteristics; then returned to the airport and entered the traffic pattern on a right base to runway 28 at the request of the Tower. Wind was reported out of the northwest at 300 or 310 degrees at 6 kts gust 16. I performed a satisfactory wheel landing to a full stop and taxied to Taxiway Echo for a left turn off the runway. Upon turning off the runway to the left; I attempted to turn the airplane back to the right with full right rudder and right brake; but the airplane continued to veer left. I tried more right brake and a shot of power for prop blast over the rudder; but airplane would not turn right. At this point I decided to continue the left turn back until the airplane was straight; but was very close to the grass. The right wheel rolled slightly into the grass as I continued this left turn. The Tower later informed me I had struck a taxiway light during this turn; knocking the lens off the light. There was no visible damage to the airplane upon subsequent inspection.I initially thought perhaps the wind was gusting a bit and causing weather-vaning tendencies; however; a northwest wind would have caused the airplane to weather-vane to the right. I tried another slower turn to the right and at this point clearly noticed no braking action on the right wheel. If I added power; I could get prop blast over the rudder and turn slightly right; however this caused an excessive amount of speed to develop which made control difficult. I was able to taxi clear of the hold short line and make a left turn onto taxiway Alpha; however was having difficulty turning right. I made a few more 360 left turns while attempting to keep the airplane straight; but was unable. At this point; Tower told me they would call someone to come over and tug the airplane; so I shut down. The tug arrived and towed the airplane to the maintenance hangar.Upon inspection of the brake; it was observed the right brake had loosened to the point of providing little to no braking action with full brake pedal deflection. It was determined the new brake had come out of adjustment. It was decided the brake should have had a taxi test performed on it; then should have been re-inspected and re-adjusted prior to flight.The incident likely occurred because of my inability to control the airplane in moderate winds without a completely functioning brake system. Contributing to the incident was my low time in tail-wheel airplanes and specifically this make and model. Upon reflection; I should have taken some dual in the airplane prior to the flight to make sure I was comfortable in the airplane. Any discrepancies with the aircraft systems could have then been identified and perhaps handled better with a more experienced instructor onboard. I am also now aware of the need to have a taxi-test and re-inspection performed on a brake install to make sure the adjustment is correct.
Aeronca pilot reported a loss of control after landing due to a brake problem and lack of tail wheel aircraft experience.