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NTSB Report

July 14, 2009 · Diamond Aircraft Ind Gmbh DA 40 · N544DS

Cape Girardeau, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 14, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Cape Girardeau, MO
Aircraft
Diamond Aircraft Ind Gmbh DA 40
Tail Number
N544DS
Operator
Stone Kenneth D
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA493

The pilot flew his airplane to a mechanic at a fixed base operator (FBO) for repairs to the airplane's brakes. The pilot reported that next day he called the mechanic and the mechanic indicated that the repairs would be complete and the airplane could be picked up later in the day. The pilot called the FBO where the person at the front desk found his keys and indicated that they would be waiting for him at the front desk. There was no note on the keys indicating that the repairs were not complete. The pilot did not detect that the brakes were not repaired during his preflight. The airplane did not stop when pressure was applied to both brakes during the taxi and it impacted a standing fuel truck. The pilot said that the mechanic left him a voice mail message indicating the brakes had not been repaired and that parts would be in the next day; however, he was not aware of the mechanic's message until after the accident occurred.

NTSB Probable Cause

The airplane's inoperative brakes while taxiing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight.

Full Narrative

The pilot flew his airplane to a mechanic at a fixed base operator (FBO) for repairs to the airplane's brakes. The pilot reported that next day he called the mechanic and the mechanic indicated that the repairs would be complete and the airplane could be picked up later in the day. He told the mechanic that he would pick up the plane that evening. The pilot said that he called the FBO where the person at the front desk found his keys and indicated that they would be waiting for him at the front desk. There was no note on the keys indicating that the repairs were not complete. The pilot preflighted the airplane and the brakes and wheels appeared normal. The brakes were "firm" when pressure was applied. The airplane was started and the pilot proceeded to taxi the airplane. He stated that the airplane did not stop when pressure was applied to both brakes. The airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted a standing fuel truck. The pilot said that the mechanic left him a voice mail message indicating the brakes had not been repaired and that parts would be in the next day. According to the pilot, he was not aware of the mechanic's message until after the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:15 CDT
Nearest AirportCape Girardeau Regional Airpor (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDiamond Aircraft Ind Gmbh DA 40
Tail NumberN544DS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorStone Kenneth D
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 M1A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data