On July 20, 1987, a Grumman AA-5B (registration N28452) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Tahoe, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during taxi, resulting from a brake system malfunction caused by worn linings and hydraulic pressure loss. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft rolled off taxiway during ground operations after right brake failure, striking a transformer due to worn linings and hydraulic seal loss.
What happened
During ground operations, the pilot reported that the right brake failed while taxiing toward the runway. The aircraft subsequently rolled off the taxiway and collided with a transformer.
The investigation
Inspection of the aircraft revealed that the brake linings were worn. Additionally, the piston in the hydraulic cylinder had traveled past the O-ring, allowing a loss of pressure.
Findings
The failure was attributed to brake lining wear and hydraulic seal failure. The pilot lost directional control due to brake system malfunction.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during taxi, resulting from a brake system malfunction caused by worn linings and hydraulic pressure loss.