Casualties unknown

Left Brake Failure Causes Ground Loop During Landing Roll (N9957J)

Levelland, TX, US

On September 5, 1989, a Cessna T188C (registration N9957J) operated by ED Reynolds was involved in an aviation accident near Levelland, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TO A LEAK IN THE LEFT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER. 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

During the landing roll, the pilot experienced a left wheel brake failure, leading to a ground loop that damaged the left wing, left landing gear, and brake line.

Accident Description

During the landing roll, the pilot experienced failure of the left wheel brake, which resulted in a ground loop. The aircraft veered uncontrollably as the asymmetric braking caused it to pivot around the functioning right brake.

Damage

During the ground loop, the left wing and left landing gear were damaged. The left brake line was also broken during the event, which made it impossible to determine how much brake fluid was in the system prior to the accident.

Investigation

Examination revealed evidence of a persistent leak from the left brake master cylinder. The broken brake line prevented investigators from assessing the pre-accident brake fluid level. No further causal factors were identified.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29362. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.