Casualties unknown

Loss of Right Main Brake During Landing After Agricultural Spray Mission (N4494Q)

Malone, FL, US

On July 22, 1982, a Cessna 188B (registration N4494Q) operated by Shane Gardner was involved in an aviation accident near Malone, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain adequate braking control due to a loss of hydraulic fluid from an undetected leak in the right main brake hydraulic line during flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a loss of the right main brake upon returning to land after dispensing liquid chemicals on a nearby cotton field, due to hydraulic fluid draining from an undetected leak.

What happened

The aircraft departed a private grass strip with the specific mission of dispensing liquid chemicals onto a nearby cotton field. Following the completion of the spraying operation, the pilot attempted to return to the airfield for landing. Upon final approach and touchdown, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of function in the right main brake system.

The investigation

Post-incident examination revealed that the hydraulic fluid had drained off during the flight. This loss of pressure was attributed to an undetected leak within the hydraulic line. The pilot stated that the brakes had been properly serviced with fluid prior to the last takeoff, indicating the leak developed or became apparent only after departure.

Findings

The primary contributing factor was the loss of right main brake capability during the landing phase. This failure was directly caused by hydraulic fluid leakage from an undetected fault in the hydraulic line, which resulted in insufficient pressure to operate the braking system effectively on that side.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain adequate braking control due to a loss of hydraulic fluid from an undetected leak in the right main brake hydraulic line during flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03768. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.