Casualties unknown

Brake Damage Noted After Takeoff Abort on Maintenance Ferry Flight (N5471M)

Denver, CO, US

On September 13, 1982, a Fairchild/swearingen SA226TC (registration N5471M) operated by Air Midwest was involved in an aviation accident near Denver, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During a maintenance ferry flight takeoff, the aircraft failed to accelerate above V1 and would not rotate. The captain aborted, stopping at the runway end with right gear on overrun. Investigation found brake damage consistent with parking brake engagement or inadvertent toe brake application.

Incident Overview

During a takeoff on a maintenance ferry flight, with a mechanic occupying the right seat, the aircraft would not accelerate above V1 and would not rotate even with full aft yoke input. The captain subsequently aborted the takeoff, and the aircraft came to a stop at the end of the runway with the right main landing gear on the overrun area.

Post-Event Actions

After the aircraft stopped, crewmembers extinguished two small fires that had developed in the main gear brakes.

Investigation Findings

A subsequent investigation did not reveal the reason why the aircraft would not accelerate. However, it was noted that both main brake assemblies had been subjected to extreme heat and rapid cooling. Additionally, all brake pucks were found to be worn thin.

Damage Assessment

The observed damage to the brake assemblies and pucks was consistent with two possible scenarios: taking off with the parking brake engaged, or inadvertent application of the toe brakes during the takeoff roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04526. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.