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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 20, 2007 · Cessna T188C · N2870J

Colby, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 20, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Colby, KS
Aircraft
Cessna T188C
Tail Number
N2870J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN07LA135

The pilot was departing from runway 17 with a crosswind from the east. He stated that during the departure roll, the airplane veered into the wind. He attempted to correct with rudder; however, the rudder correction was inadequate. When he applied brakes, the brakes were unresponsive and the airplane ground looped, resulting in substantial damage. According to the pilot, he had not had any problems with the brakes prior to the takeoff roll. Winds at the time of the accident were recorded as 120 degrees at 8 knots. Examination of the brakes revealed the AN #3 fitting was cross threaded and metal contamination was found in the brake hose, preventing a seal, and resulting in a leak of brake fluid. An examination of the remaining airplane systems revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the take-off roll resulting in a ground loop.

Full Narrative

On July 20, 2007, at 1100 central daylight time, a Cessna T188C, N2870J, was substantially damaged during the takeoff roll at Shalz Field Airport (CBK), Colby, Kansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial application flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137 without a flight plan. The commercial pilot was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report form submitted by the pilot, he was departing from runway 17 (5,109 feet by 75 feet, concrete) with a crosswind from the east. The pilot stated that during the departure roll, the airplane veered into the wind. He attempted to correct with rudder; however, the rudder correction was inadequate. The pilot stated that when he applied brakes, the brakes were unresponsive and the airplane ground looped. According to the pilot, he had not had any problems with the brakes prior to the takeoff roll. The right wing spar was bent up and forward and the right main landing gear separated. Winds at the time of the accident were recorded as 120 degrees at 8 knots. According to the FAA inspector who examined the airplane, a piece of metal was found in the brake line. The brake line, brake caliper, and brake master cylinder were retained for further examination. An examination of the remaining airplane systems revealed no anomalies. According to the FAA, the source of the metal found in the brake line was determined to be the #3 AN fitting at the top of the brake hose. The AN fitting was cross threaded and the threads on the AN fitting were galled and several were missing. According to the FAA, this prevented a seal between the fitting and the hose, resulting in a brake fluid leak. Examination of the brake caliper and brake master cylinder revealed no anomalies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 MDT
Nearest AirportShalz Field Airport (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length5109 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna T188C
Tail NumberN2870J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTeledyne Continental · TSIO-520-T · Reciprocating · 310
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data