Casualties unknown

Aircraft Ground-Loops After Brake Failure During Landing Roll (N1810P)

Friday Harbor, WA, US

On March 28, 2002, a Piper PA-22 (registration N1810P) was involved in an aviation accident near Friday Harbor, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the brake system during the landing roll. An intentional ground loop and a dirt bank were factors. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot intentionally ground-looped the aircraft after the right brake failed during landing roll, causing substantial damage to the right wing.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that after touchdown, during the landing roll, he applied the brake to turn the airplane to the right. The pilot stated that the right brake did not hold, causing the aircraft to veer to the left. Unable to turn the airplane back to the right and seeing that it was traveling toward a bank, the pilot applied hard left brake and intentionally ground-looped the aircraft. During the ground loop maneuver, the right wing was substantially damaged.

Sequence of Events

The pilot’s account indicates that the intended right turn was initiated by applying the brake, but the right brake failed to hold. This prompted an uncommanded left turn. The pilot was unable to counteract this with further brake application. Recognizing the imminent collision with a bank, the pilot opted to execute a ground loop by applying hard left brake. The maneuver resulted in the right wing sustaining substantial damage.

Investigation Status

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, time, weather conditions, or ATC involvement were provided in the source. The exact cause of the right brake failure remains unstated. Toxicology tests or injuries were not mentioned. The investigation is limited to the pilot’s report as reproduced above.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020404X00461. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.