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Left Brake Failure Leads to Ground Loop and Collision with Snow Bank (N1362C)

Dunsmuir, CA, US

On February 7, 1994, a Cessna 340A (registration N1362C) operated by Paw Management was involved in an aviation accident near Dunsmuir, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left brake failure was due to the left brake reservoir being empty, which occurred because the mechanic who repaired the left brake 6 hours before the accident did not refill the reservoir. 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

During the landing roll, the left brake failed. The pilot maintained directional control with right brake and flight controls, then intentionally ground looped near the runway end to avoid exiting. The airplane struck a snow bank. Investigation found the left brake reservoir empty after a repair six hours earlier.

Accident Description

During the landing roll, the left brake failed. The pilot was able to maintain directional control by intermittently applying the right brake and using the flight controls. As the airplane neared the end of the runway at a speed of 30 mph, the pilot intentionally ground looped the airplane by applying heavy right brake to prevent the airplane from exiting the runway. During the ground loop, the airplane pivoted to the right and collided with a snow bank.

Examination and Findings

Examination of the left brake system revealed that the left brake reservoir did not contain any fluid. A mechanic had repaired the left brake six hours preceding the accident, but did not refill the reservoir.

Probable Cause

The left brake failure was due to the left brake reservoir being empty, which occurred because the mechanic who repaired the left brake 6 hours before the accident did not refill the reservoir.

Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Feb 1994 Cessna 340A accident near Dunsmuir, CA?

During the landing roll, the left brake failed. The pilot maintained directional control with right brake and flight controls, then intentionally ground looped near the runway end to avoid exiting. The airplane struck a snow bank. Investigation found the left brake reservoir empty after a repair six hours earlier.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Feb 1994 Cessna 340A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Feb 1994 involved a Cessna 340A, registration N1362C, operated by Paw Management, at Dunsmuir, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The left brake failure was due to the left brake reservoir being empty, which occurred because the mechanic who repaired the left brake 6 hours before the accident did not refill the reservoir.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00779. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.