No fatalities

Right Brake Failure Leads to Runway Excursion During Landing Rollout

Lufkin, TX, United States

On October 11, 2008, a PIPER PA-28-181 operated by MAXIMUM AVIATION INC was involved in an aviation accident near Lufkin, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper decision to takeoff with a known brake problem. Contributing to the accident were the malfunctioning brake and the rough terrain in the excursion area. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During landing rollout, the right brake failed, causing the airplane to depart the runway into a ditch and strike a fence. The student pilot exited unharmed; wings sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

A training flight ended with a runway excursion after the airplane's right brake failed during the landing rollout. The aircraft departed the paved surface, entered a ditch, and subsequently struck a fence before coming to rest in an upright position. The student pilot was able to exit the airplane unassisted. The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings.

Pilot Reports

The pilot reported that prior to the initial taxi for the practice flight, both the hand brake and the right brake pedal felt "spongy." After pumping the brakes several times, they became firm. Before beginning the engine run-up, the student pilot again attempted to activate the hand brake but was only successful after pumping it multiple times. Despite the noted irregularities, the pilot elected to proceed with the takeoff.

No further details were provided regarding the specific aircraft model, registration, or environmental conditions.

Contributing factors

Causes

Student pilot

Other contributing factors

Brake — FailureContributed to outcome

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Oct 2008 PIPER PA-28-181 accident near Lufkin, TX?

During landing rollout, the right brake failed, causing the airplane to depart the runway into a ditch and strike a fence. The student pilot exited unharmed; wings sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Oct 2008 PIPER PA-28-181 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Oct 2008 involved a PIPER PA-28-181, operated by MAXIMUM AVIATION INC, at Lufkin, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's improper decision to takeoff with a known brake problem. Contributing to the accident were the malfunctioning brake and the rough terrain in the excursion area.