Casualties unknown

Runway Overrun After Brake Failure Following Hydraulic Light (N53WT)

Sturgeon Bay, WI, US

On May 6, 2007, a Cessna 414A (registration N53WT) was involved in an aviation accident near Sturgeon Bay, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Worn brakes which resulted in an overrun during landing. A fence was a factor. 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 reported a right hydraulic light illumination, then landed with little brake effect, overrunning the runway and a fence. Inspection revealed worn brakes and a fluid leak.

Incident Overview

A pilot experienced a right hydraulic light illumination on the annunciator panel approximately eight minutes before landing. The pilot lowered the landing gear and continued to the destination. During the approach, the pilot flew with flaps deployed halfway due to a crosswind. Upon touchdown at a "normal point and airspeed," the pilot deployed full flaps.

Brake Failure and Runway Overrun

The pilot reported that the brakes had little or no effect. The airplane overran the runway, went through a chain link perimeter fence, and came to a stop on a perimeter road. The aircraft came to rest 449 feet from the edge of the runway.

Post-Accident Inspection

Inspection of the runway revealed black skid marks from both left and right main gear tires continuing to the end of the runway, where furrows from both main tires continued through the grass almost to the fence line. A mechanic inspected the brake assemblies and found that both brake discs and pads were worn and in need of service. The right brake was leaking fluid. The mechanic reported that the left side required a new brake disc and new brake pads, and the right side required new brake pads.

Weather Conditions

Wind conditions were reported as 070 degrees at 10 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070529X00644. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.