CESSNA 180J near Dixie, ID — 2015-07-26

Probable cause

The failure of the right brake hydraulic line during taxi due to fatigue, which caused a loss of hydraulic fluid and rendered the brake inoperative.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was conducting a nonscheduled passenger flight. The pilot reported that, while he was turning the airplane to align it with the runway for takeoff, the right brake failed. The pilot subsequently intentionally ground looped the airplane to avoid elevated terrain near the runway, during which the right wing struck terrain. Postaccident examination of the right brake hydraulic line revealed that it was cracked where the line bends between the fuselage and main landing gear leg. It is likely that the crack caused a hydraulic fluid leak, which rendered the brake inoperative. Metallurgical examination of the fracture surface revealed fatigue striations and ratchet mark formations, consistent with a fatigue fracture.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Mechanical failure

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted the taxi after detecting brake issues.

NTSB coding

• Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power) · Taxi-into takeoff position

Evidence available

• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• NTSB Materials Lab Factual Reportreport

Related mishaps

• CESSNA 185D

  2013-08-08 · North Pole, AK