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July 26, 2025 · Piper PA-31T3 · N401VA

Appleton, WI

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 26, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Appleton, WI
Aircraft
Piper PA-31T3 (1982)
Tail Number
N401VA
Operator
Pro Aire Cargo & Consulting
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN25LA293

The pilot reported that during engine start up, he applied the brakes to the cargo airplane and remained stationary while he received a taxi clearance. As he released the brakes to begin taxiing, the brake pedals went to the floor with no braking action. He pumped the brakes several times with no effect, so he feathered both propellers and shut down the engines. The airplane continued to roll and collided with a parked airplane on the ramp. Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. A functional check revealed that the brake system was operational with no malfunctions noted. The left main landing gear brake pads were worn beyond allowable limits. The examination did not reveal any other anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. While the left brake pads were worn beyond allowable limits, the main landing gear braking action would have still been available to the pilot.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane on the ground, which resulted in a collision with a parked airplane.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during engine start up, he applied the brakes to the cargo airplane and remained stationary while he received a taxi clearance. As he released the brakes to begin taxiing, the brake pedals went to the floor with no braking action. He pumped the brakes several times with no effect, so he feathered both propellers and shut down the engines. The airplane continued to roll and collided with a parked airplane on the ramp. Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. A functional check revealed that the brake system was operational with no malfunctions noted. The left main landing gear brake pads were worn beyond allowable limits. The examination did not reveal any other anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. While the left brake pads were worn beyond allowable limits, the main landing gear braking action would have still been available to the pilot.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:45 CDT
Nearest AirportAppleton Intl (1nm E)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-31T3
Tail NumberN401VA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPro Aire Cargo & Consulting
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W Canada · PT6A-11 · Turboprop · 1050 | P&W Canada · PT6A-11 · Turboprop · 1050
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time07:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data