Pilot Debrief

DeSousa Jabiru J400 near Santa Monica, CA — 2008-01-14

Final reportSEA08LA060
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Date
2008-01-14
Location
Santa Monica, CA, USA
Airport
SMO
Aircraft
DeSousa Jabiru J400
Registration
N522RJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and loss of the wheel brake system.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot stated that the airplane touched down beyond the midpoint of the runway, and he applied "heavy braking." He reported that the brakes failed about three-quarters of the way down the 4,973-foot runway. The airplane overran the runway, and collided with a ditch which resulted in substantial damage to the wing assembly. Examination of the single-caliper main wheel brake assemblies by the pilot revealed extensive wear to the brake pads and rotors. He reported that both pads on the right-hand brake assembly were "melted," and the associated backing plate was bent. The actuator piston and associated O-ring was displaced, and a fluid leak was noted. The brake pads were original equipment that were installed when the airplane was manufactured 160 hours prior to the accident. The most recent condition inspection was completed 5 months and 22 hours prior to the accident.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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