No fatalities

Ground Collision Following Anti-Skid Malfunction and Use of Outdated Checklist (N88MJ)

Santa Ana, CA, US

On September 19, 1984, a Cessna 550 (registration N88MJ) operated by Atlas Hotels was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Ana, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command failed to follow the required procedure in the flight manual to turn off the anti-skid switch after clearing the runway, instead using an outdated checklist card that left the switch on. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After landing in hot weather, the pilot failed to turn off the anti-skid switch as per manual, using an outdated checklist. The anti-skid unit malfunctioned, releasing brake pressure, leading to a collision with two parked aircraft. The operator had not complied with a prior service letter regarding the unit's temperature vulnerability.

Incident Overview

A dual instructional flight was conducted in ambient temperatures ranging from 91 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The aircraft landed without incident. After clearing the runway, the pilot-in-command (PIC) did not follow the required procedure specified in the flight manual to turn off the anti-skid switch. Instead, the PIC used an outdated checklist card that contained the former procedure, leaving the anti-skid switch in the on position.

Sequence of Events

As the PIC maneuvered the aircraft to park, the anti-skid control unit malfunctioned. This malfunction caused the release of brake pressure. The PIC was able to regain control only after activating the emergency pneumatic brake system. By that time, the aircraft had collided with two other aircraft: a Cessna 500 and an Aero Commander 500S.

Background Factors

Two years prior to the incident, a service letter had been issued warning that the anti-skid control unit could malfunction at temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The operator of the aircraft had failed to comply with this service letter and had not submitted the unit for the required modification.

Recent Training

Within the month preceding the incident, the PIC and the company chief pilot had obtained type ratings in the aircraft from a designated pilot examiner.

Probable cause

The pilot-in-command failed to follow the required procedure in the flight manual to turn off the anti-skid switch after clearing the runway, instead using an outdated checklist card that left the switch on. Additionally, the operator failed to comply with a service letter requiring modification of the anti-skid control unit to prevent malfunctions at high temperatures.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Sept 1984 Cessna 550 accident near Santa Ana, CA?

After landing in hot weather, the pilot failed to turn off the anti-skid switch as per manual, using an outdated checklist. The anti-skid unit malfunctioned, releasing brake pressure, leading to a collision with two parked aircraft. The operator had not complied with a prior service letter regarding the unit's…

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Sept 1984 Cessna 550 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Sept 1984 involved a Cessna 550, registration N88MJ, operated by Atlas Hotels, at Santa Ana, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command failed to follow the required procedure in the flight manual to turn off the anti-skid switch after clearing the runway, instead using an outdated checklist card that left the switch on. Additionally, the operator failed to comply with a service letter requiring modification of the anti-skid…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41105. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.