Airframe event involving a Cessna 185A, VH-AGF, Darwin Aerodrome, Northern Territory, on 24 June 1997

The aircraft was being landed on runway 36, with an easterly wind gusting to 10 kts. A three point attitude was used for the landing. After the touchdown, braking was used to slow the aircraft but it developed a swing to the right. The pilot applied left brake to stop the swing but pedal pressure was soon lost. The ground loop continued, resulting in damage to the left main gear and left wing.

An inspection of the left brake system found that the pedal bled to the floor, after initial pressure was obtained, in about one second. No leaks were found. The fault appears to be an internal failure of the master cylinder.

An emergency locator transmitter was carried but it did not activate.