On February 7, 1994, a Cessna 340A (registration N1362C) operated by Paw Management was involved in an aviation accident near Dunsmuir, CA. 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.
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.