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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 26, 2015 · Cessna 180J J · N52095

Dixie, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 26, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Dixie, ID
Aircraft
Cessna 180J J (1974)
Tail Number
N52095
Operator
Patrick Scott
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR15LA234

The commercial pilot was conducting a nonscheduled passenger flight. The pilot reported that, while he was turning the airplane to align it with the runway for takeoff, the right brake failed. The pilot subsequently intentionally ground looped the airplane to avoid elevated terrain near the runway, during which the right wing struck terrain. Postaccident examination of the right brake hydraulic line revealed that it was cracked where the line bends between the fuselage and main landing gear leg. It is likely that the crack caused a hydraulic fluid leak, which rendered the brake inoperative. Metallurgical examination of the fracture surface revealed fatigue striations and ratchet mark formations, consistent with a fatigue fracture.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the right brake hydraulic line during taxi due to fatigue, which caused a loss of hydraulic fluid and rendered the brake inoperative.

Full Narrative

On July 26, 2015, about 0830 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 180J, N52095, sustained substantial damage while taxiing for takeoff following a reported loss of the right brake control at the Wilson Bar USFS Airport (C48) Dixie, Idaho. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by SP Aircraft under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. The commercial pilot and three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the non-scheduled passenger flight. The flight was originating at the time with a planned destination of Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. The pilot reported that the right brake failed while performing a 180 degree turn to align the airplane with the runway. As a result, the pilot stated that he intentionally ground looped the airplane, in order to avoid elevated terrain near the runway. Subsequently, the right wing struck terrain. Postaccident examination of the damaged airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that substantial damage was sustained to the right wing and aileron. The right brake hydraulic line was observed to be cracked at a bend between the fuselage and the main landing gear leg. The airplane is equipped with a hydraulically actuated disc brake on each wheel. Each brake is connected by a hydraulic line to a master cylinder attached to each side of the pilot's rudder pedals. The appropriate section of the brake hydraulic line was removed and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board, Materials Laboratory Division, for a detailed examination. Electron microscope images revealed that the brake line fracture surface was consistent with a fatigue fracture. Fatigue striations and ratchet mark formations were observed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 MDT
Nearest AirportWilson Bar Usfs (0nm WSW)
Runway06
Runway Length1500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 180J J
Tail NumberN52095
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPatrick Scott
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-470 SERIES · Reciprocating · 230
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 55
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time14:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data