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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

February 6, 2023 · Cessna 425 · N425Z

Bismarck, ND

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 6, 2023
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Bismarck, ND
Aircraft
Cessna 425 (1983)
Tail Number
N425Z
Operator
Pegasus Royalty Group
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA103

The pilot taxied to the ramp after an uneventful flight. After moving the throttles toward the ground idle position while in front of the marshaller, the airplane turned left, and the pilot observed that the right brake was inoperative. He attempted to stop the airplane by placing both propeller levers to the feather position and subsequently moved both throttles toward the reverse (beta) position. The airplane continued forward and struck a hangar, which resulted in substantial damaged to the left wing. Postaccident examination of the braking system revealed the brake master cylinders were nearly empty of brake fluid, with no leaks observed. The pilot, who was also a mechanic, recorded completion of a phase inspection about nine months before the accident. The inspection included servicing the brake master cylinders, but the pilot reported he did not check the fluid levels of the master cylinders.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of braking due to inadequate servicing of brake fluid by the pilot/mechanic, which resulted in a loss of airplane control on the ground.

Full Narrative

On February 6, 2023, about 1545 central standard time, a Cessna 425, N425Z, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS), Bismarck, North Dakota. The pilot was not injured and the two passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported an uneventful flight and landing at BIS. After taxiing to the ramp, the pilot proceeded to stop the airplane in front of a marshaller. After moving the throttles toward the ground idle position, the pilot observed the airplane turn left and reported that the right brake was inoperative. The pilot reported moving both propeller levers to the feather position and subsequently moved both throttles toward the reverse (beta) position. The airplane continued forward and struck a hangar, which substantially damaged the left wing. Postaccident examination of the braking system revealed the brake master cylinders were nearly empty of brake fluid, with no leaks observed. A review of maintenance logs revealed that the pilot, who was also a mechanic, recorded completion of the Phase 3 inspection of the Cessna 425 maintenance manual on May 21, 2022. The Phase 3 inspection includes servicing the brake master cylinders. The pilot/mechanic reported that during this inspection he checked the brake pads and checked for leaks around the brakes and the master cylinders. He depressed the brake pedals to find there was resistance; however, he reported that he did not check the fluid levels of the master cylinders during the inspection.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 CST
Nearest AirportBismarck Municipal Airport (0.5nm)
Runway31
Runway Length8794 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 425
Tail NumberN425Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPegasus Royalty Group
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PT6-112 · Turboprop · 450 | Pratt & Whitney · PT6-112 · Turboprop · 450
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 63 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 18 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point37 F / 28 F
Altimeter29.67 inHg
Observation Time15:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data