Subfreezing temperatures greet this small Alaskan airplane at touchdown, immediately followed by erratic, “hanging” brakes. This behavior prompted a stop at a repair shop. Inspection of the system by the attending mechanic revealed dirt and water contaminating the brake fluid in both left and right master cylinders (P/N 0541139-22). The aircraft logs verified periodic cylinder seal replacement, but no records of the cylinders ever having been removed and cleaned “...in the 27 years, 11 months of service.” The mechanic concludes: “...if cylinder seals are replaced, the entire body should be removed and cleaned. The entire system should be removed and thoroughly cleaned every 2000 hours or 10 years as an ageing aircraft inspection item.”

Part Total Time: 5,034.0 hours.