Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182K near Tooele, UT — 2022-08-30

Final reportWPR22LA323
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Date
2022-08-30
Location
Tooele, UT, USA
Airport
TVY
Aircraft
CESSNA 182K
Registration
N3094Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Taxi

Probable cause

Loss of brake pressure to both sets of brakes during taxi due to failed brake caliper O-ring seals, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

NTSB narrative

During an instructional flight, the student pilot reduced engine power to idle and applied the brakes as the airplane taxied toward the end of the runway. However, the airplane did not respond to this brake application. The flight instructor assumed control of the airplane and applied brakes, but the airplane still did not respond. While the flight instructor was attempting to mitigate the situation, the airplane exited the right side of the taxiway and impacted a ditch. Examination of the airplane’s brake system revealed a leak on both main landing gear brake caliper O-ring seals. Both brake calipers were removed and disassembled, and both O-ring seals were flattened, consistent with excessive use and wear. The flattened O-ring seals prevented the proper seal within the brake calipers, which resulted in the complete loss of brake fluid. The complete loss of brake fluid prevented the use of the airplane brakes, which caused a subsequent loss of directional control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Maintenance on brake calipers could have prevented brake failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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