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NTSB Report

July 6, 2008 · Lancair LC41-550FG · N2544W

Hailey, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Hailey, ID
Aircraft
Lancair LC41-550FG
Tail Number
N2544W
Operator
Mccormick Enterprises
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08LA217

The airplane was designed to use differential braking for directional control while taxiing. The pilot reported that while taxiing for departure, the right brake failed. Subsequently, the airplane departed the left side of the taxiway, impacted a pole and went down an embankment, striking an airport perimeter fence. The left composite wing tip was split open and the wing's leading edge had an 8- to 10-inch chordwise rip in it. Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found that the right brake O-ring in the piston that operates the caliper was hard and flat. When brake fluid was put in the system and the brakes were pumped, the brake fluid was observed to pass directly through the right-hand caliper onto the ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Attain/maintain not possible - C

Full Narrative

On July 6, 2008, approximately 1215 mountain daylight time, a Lancair Company LC41-550FG (Columbia 400), N2544W, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a pole and fence while taxiing out for takeoff at Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN), Hailey, Idaho. The commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight, which was originating at the time of the accident. A flight plan had not been filed. The pilot reported that when taxiing this airplane, differential braking is used for directional control, and that while taxiing for departure, the right brake failed. Subsequently, the airplane departed the left side of the taxiway, impacted a pole and went down an embankment, striking an airport perimeter fence. The left composite wing tip was split open and the wing's leading edge had an 8- to 10-inch chordwise rip in it. Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found the right brake O-ring in the piston that operates the caliper to be hard and flat. When brake fluid was put in the system and the brakes were pumped, the brake fluid was observed to pass directly through the right-hand caliper onto the ground.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 MDT
Nearest AirportFriedman Memorial Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLancair LC41-550FG
Tail NumberN2544W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMccormick Enterprises
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · TSIO-550 SER · Reciprocating · 280
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind110° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data