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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 26, 1995 · Cessna 550 · N72WC

Minneapolis, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 26, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Aircraft
Cessna 550
Tail Number
N72WC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI95LA240

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT, DURING THE LANDING ROLL, HE DEPLOYED THE THRUST REVERSERS AND APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE AIRPLANE, BUT THE BRAKES HAD NO EFFECT. THE MECHANIC, WHO WAS SEATED IN THE RIGHT SEAT, DEPRESS THE BRAKES ON THE RIGHT SIDE, BUT THEY ALSO DID NOT OPERATE. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND CAME TO REST APPROXIMATELY 800 FEET 'OFF THE END' OF THE RUNWAY. AFTER DEPARTING THE RUNWAY, THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED UNEVEN TERRAIN AND WAS DAMAGED. A POSTACCIDENT EXAMINATION REVEALED NO ANOMALIES WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM, ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM, OR THE THRUST REVERSERS. THE TRANSDUCERS AND CONTROL VALVES WERE REMOVED AND TESTED. ALL TESTS WERE SATISFACTORY AND MET MANUFACTURER LIMITS. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT OPERATE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AS RECOMMENDED/REQUIRED BY THE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the landing gear braking system for undetermined reason(s) and the pilot's failure to perform the emergency procedure of operating the emergency brake system. Rough/uneven terrain was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On July 26, 1995, at 1349 central daylight time, a Cessna Citation 550, N72WC, operated by Pioneer Private Aviation Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota, sustained substantial damage while landing at Flying Cloud Airport, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The airplane was conducting a mechanical test flight to verify the operation of the air conditioning system when the accident occurred. The pilot and two mechanics reported no injuries. The local 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated without a flight plan in visual meteorological conditions. After completing a maintenance test flight, the pilot reported that they returned to Flying Cloud Airport for landing. The pilot allowed the mechanic, who was seated in the right seat and is a commercially certificated pilot, land the airplane. During the final approach, the pilot stated that the mechanic allowed the airplane to float too far down the runway. The pilot stated he called for a go around and then took control of the airplane for the second landing attempt. The pilot stated the second attempt was a normal landing. During the landing roll, the pilot stated he deployed the thrust reversers and stepped on the brakes but the brakes had no effect. The mechanic tried to depress his brakes, but there was also no braking action. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway and came to rest approximately 800 feet from the end of the runway. Postaccident examination found the brakes intact and in place. No hydraulic fluid was seen leaking. No abnormalities were found with the brake releases, anti-lock system, or the thrust reversers. The transducer and control valve were removed and tested. All tests were satisfactory and met manufacturer limits. The Pilot Operating Handbook for the Cessna Citation 550 states in Section III Normal Procedures, "If, during landing, a hard brake pedal - no breaking condition is encountered, operate the emergency brake system." The pilot had stated to the FAA that he did not use the emergency brake system.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:49 CDT
Nearest AirportFlying Cloud Airport (0nm)
Runway27L
Runway Length3909 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 550
Tail NumberN72WC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbojet
Engine DetailsP&W · JT15D-4B · Turbojet · 2500
Seats10

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 3 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data