Casualties unknown

Brake Lock During Taxi Leads to Damage (N7452J)

Birchwood, AK, US

On June 3, 2006, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N7452J) operated by Jack Hoffman was involved in an aviation accident near Birchwood, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left brake was over-serviced with fluid, and the right brake linkage was improperly adjusted. 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 private pilot reported a left brake lock while taxiing for takeoff. A mechanic later found the left brake over-serviced and right brake linkage improperly adjusted, resulting in damage to the wings and horizontal stabilizer.

Incident Overview

A private pilot was taxiing for takeoff on a personal cross-country flight under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 91, when the left brake locked. According to a witness, the pilot stated that he had serviced the brakes prior to taxiing.

Mechanical Findings

A mechanic who repaired the airplane reported that the left brake was over-serviced with fluid, and the right brake linkage was improperly adjusted. This left the left brake tight and the right brake loose.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage to its wings, wing spars, and horizontal stabilizer.

Additional Information

No other details about the aircraft, pilot, or location were provided in the source.

Probable cause

The left brake was over-serviced with fluid, and the right brake linkage was improperly adjusted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060622X00802. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.