Pilot Debrief

CZECH SPORTPLANES SRO DYNAMIC WT9 near Glendale, AZ — 2012-01-06

Final reportWPR12LA074
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Date
2012-01-06
Location
Glendale, AZ, USA
Airport
KGEU
Aircraft
CZECH SPORTPLANES SRO DYNAMIC WT9
Registration
N247DY
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Taxi

Probable cause

The pilot did not shut down the engine upon recognizing a brake malfunction. Contributing to the accident was the airplane's brake malfunction for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he performed a brake check and used the brakes numerous times while taxiing to the run-up area; however, as he approached the run-up area, the brakes failed, and the airplane continued to roll forward. He decided to steer the airplane off the taxiway surface and not risk an excursion onto the active runway. The airplane veered off the paved surface onto unprepared desert terrain, and the airplane continued to accelerate. The pilot attempted to shut down the engine with the ignition switch, but was unable to. He said that normal engine shut down is accomplished using two magneto switches on the instrument panel and not the ignition switch. The airplane then struck a boundary fence. Postaccident examination revealed that the left wheel brake assembly was damaged by impact forces consistent with the airplane’s collision with the fence. The examination of the brake system for fluid leaks and functionality did not disclose any evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that, if the pilot had shut down the engine before the airplane departed the taxiway surface, he would have been able to stop in time to avoid colliding with the airport boundary fence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted taxi after brake failure instead of continuing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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