Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 340A near Boise, ID — 2023-10-12

Final reportWPR24LA013
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Date
2023-10-12
Location
Boise, ID, USA
Airport
BOI
Aircraft
CESSNA 340A
Registration
N682JS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Taxi

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while taxiing, which resulted in impact with a fence.

NTSB narrative

While taxiing for departure in night visual meteorological conditions, the airplane drifted left of the taxiway centerline and the left wingtip impacted a fence, resulting in substantial damage and a postimpact fire when the left wingtip fuel tank was breached. Although the pilot reported that the right brake failed while attempting to stop, review of surveillance video footage indicated that the airplane was traveling at a relatively constant speed with no noticeable change in speed or direction before impact with the fence. Examination of the airplane’s brake system, nose wheel steering system, wheels, and tires revealed no evidence of any failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot failed to maintain directional control while taxiing, which resulted in impact with the fence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted taxi after brake failure was noticed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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