1995-06-24: Piper PA-34-200 — Aero Club — Avalon, CA

Casualties unknown • Avalon, CA, US

Probable cause

complete brake failure due to improper replacement and service of the brakes by company maintenance personnel.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

AFTER TOUCHDOWN ON THE 3,240-FOOT-LONG RUNWAY, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE AIRCRAFT BEFORE OVERRUNNING THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH AN AIRPORT BOUNDARY FENCE. FAA AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTORS EXAMINED THE AIRCRAFT AND FOUND THAT THE HYDRAULIC RESERVOIR WAS 3/4 FULL AND THE BRAKE PADS LOOKED NEW. BOTH BRAKE PEDALS WERE SPONGY AND WOULD GO TO THE FLOOR. AIR WAS FOUND IN THE BRAKE LINES. THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED AND SERVICED ON JUNE 23, 1995. THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT WAS THE FIRST ONE SINCE THE WORK ON THE BRAKES WAS ACCOMPLISHED.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-06-24 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Avalon, CA?

AFTER TOUCHDOWN ON THE 3,240-FOOT-LONG RUNWAY, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE AIRCRAFT BEFORE OVERRUNNING THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH AN AIRPORT BOUNDARY FENCE. FAA AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTORS EXAMINED THE AIRCRAFT AND FOUND THAT THE HYDRAULIC RESERVOIR WAS 3/4 FULL AND…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-06-24 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N56484, operated by Aero Club, at Avalon, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

complete brake failure due to improper replacement and service of the brakes by company maintenance personnel.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03758. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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