On June 9, 1994, a Cessna 180J (registration N180DK) was involved in an aviation accident near Sedona, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a loss of directional control due to a locked brake from a leaking hydraulic system. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane veered left during takeoff, leading to the collapse of the right main landing gear. Investigation found the left brake was locked up due to a misaligned torque plate, with hydraulic fluid seepage contributing to brake assembly contamination.
Incident Description
During the takeoff roll, the airplane unexpectedly veered to the left. Subsequently, the right main landing gear collapsed. The sequence of events was reported by the mechanic who later examined the aircraft.
Examination Findings
An airframe and powerplant mechanic conducted a post-incident examination of the brakes. The left brake was found to have locked up. Specifically, the brake torque plate was misaligned, causing the brake shoe to jam against the wheel. Additionally, the mechanic noted in his report that the brake cylinders had been seeping hydraulic fluid. This fluid, mixed with brake dust and dirt, had accumulated on and covered the brake caliper assembly. No other findings were reported.