Casualties unknown

Left Brake Failure During Landing Leads to Runway Excursion (N507TH)

Avalon, CA, US

On June 23, 1996, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N507TH) operated by Flight International was involved in an aviation accident near Avalon, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the left brake for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During landing, the left brake failed, causing a loss of directional control. The aircraft veered off the runway and struck a barbed wire fence. A subsequent inspection found the left brake disk cold, the pedal stiff, and calipers immobile.

Accident Sequence

The pilot reported that after touchdown on the runway, the left brake failed, resulting in a loss of directional control. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway and collided with a barbed wire fence.

Post-Accident Examination

An individual holding an FAA airframe and powerplant mechanics certificate, who was present at the airport at the time of the accident and works for an aircraft wreckage retrieval firm, examined the brake system within 10 minutes of the accident at the direction of the Safety Board. He reported that the left brake disk was cold to the touch, while the right disk was hot. The left brake pedal was stiff and would not move when pressure was applied, and the corresponding left brake calipers would not move.

Subsequent Actions

The aircraft owner moved the aircraft and repaired it before the brake system could be examined in detail.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06042. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.