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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

April 28, 2002 · Cessna A185E · N4730Q

Greeley, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 28, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Greeley, CO
Aircraft
Cessna A185E
Tail Number
N4730Q
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN02LA041

The pilot receiving instruction said, "Late in landing roll ... at approximately 25-30 mph brakes were applied and left brake failed due to ruptured brake line. Airplane veered right and ground-looped causing left wing tip and left elevator to contact runway." An examination of the airplane's left main landing gear showed that the left brake line was cracked, flattened, and leaking brake fluid.

NTSB Probable Cause

the inadvertent ground loop during landing roll. A contributing factor was the partial brake system failure.

Full Narrative

On April 28, 2002, approximately 1200 mountain daylight time, a Cessna A185E, N4730Q, piloted by an airline transport pilot, sustained substantial damage when the airplane ground-looped during landing at the Greeley/Weld County Airport (GXY), Greeley, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The instructional flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and was not operating on a flight plan. The instructor pilot and airline transport pilot-rated dual student reported no injuries. The local flight originated approximately 1100. The pilot receiving instruction said, "Late in landing roll on runway 9 (6,210 feet by 100 feet, dry asphalt) at approximately 25-30 mph brakes were applied and left brake failed due to ruptured brake line. Airplane veered right and ground-looped causing left wing tip and left elevator to contact runway." An examination of the airplane revealed the outer portion of the front main spar, two ribs, and a portion of the rear spar to the airplane's left wing were bent upward and aft. The airplane's left wing tip was broken aft. The top skin of the left wing showed wrinkling. The left aileron was bent slightly upward. The bottom left elevator skin showed scraping. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the airplane's engine and engine controls showed no anomalies. An examination of the left main landing gear showed that a portion of the left wheel rim was broken. The left tire showed heavy rubs in the outer wall and tread. The left brake line was cracked, flattened, and leaking brake fluid.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 MDT
Nearest AirportGreeley-Weld County Airport (0nm W)
Runway09
Runway Length6210 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185E
Tail NumberN4730Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D1 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 49 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data