Summary
On August 08, 2013, a Cessna 185D (N75LE) was involved in an incident near North Pole, AK. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The malfunction of the right main wheel brake during taxi due to a faulty O-ring in the right brake pedal master cylinder.
The pilot had completed his before takeoff checks, and was taxiing the tailwheel-equipped airplane onto the runway for departure. He added power and initiated a left turn to align the airplane with the runway, while attempting to stop the turn the right brake failed and the airplane ground looped striking the right wing on the gravel runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. An examination of the right brake master cylinder revealed that the right brake would not hold pressure and the O-ring within the master cylinder had dried out allowing brake fluid to leak past.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC13CA075. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N75LE.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The malfunction of the right main wheel brake during taxi due to a faulty O-ring in the right brake pedal master cylinder.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot had completed his before takeoff checks, and was taxiing the tailwheel-equipped airplane onto the runway for departure. He added power and initiated a left turn to align the airplane with the runway, while attempting to stop the turn the right brake failed and the airplane ground looped striking the right wing on the gravel runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron. An examination of the right brake master cylinder revealed that the right brake would not hold pressure and the O-ring within the master cylinder had dried out allowing brake fluid to leak past.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC13CA075