N544DS

Substantial
Minor

DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND GMBH DA 40S/N: 40044

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA493
Location
Cape Girardeau, MO
Event ID
20090804X55434
Coordinates
37.225276, -89.570831
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

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

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND GMBH
Serial Number
40044
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2001
Model / ICAO
DA 40DA40
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
DA 40

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
OLIVER RICHARD ALBERT
Address
134 PROSPECT PL
City
PEARL RIVER
State / Zip Code
NY 10965-2528
Country
United States

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA493