Accident Overview
On November 27, 2017, at approximately 1130 mountain standard time, a Columbia LC41-550FG airplane, registration N2526C, was substantially damaged during an accident near Oro Valley, Arizona. The pilot and passenger aboard were not injured. The flight was conducted as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that during an attempted takeoff at La Cholla Airpark (57AZ) in Oro Valley, the engine surged, prompting her to abort the takeoff. After allowing the engine to idle for about five minutes, she attempted a second takeoff. The engine surged again. The pilot applied the brakes and aborted the second takeoff. As she prepared to return to the hangar, she lost braking capability, and the airplane rolled off the runway into a ditch. Upon looking out, she observed flames. The fire substantially damaged the right wing and fuselage.
Passenger Account
The passenger reported that the brakes caught fire during taxi following the second aborted takeoff. The brake lines subsequently burned through during the fire.
Aircraft Weight
The pilot stated that at the time of the accident, the airplane weighed 3,600 lbs, which is the aircraft's maximum gross weight.
Manufacturer Guidance
The Columbia 400 (LC41-550FG) Pilot's Operating Handbook and FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual, Section 4 (Normal Procedures), includes the following statement: "After heavy braking, especially when the airplane is near gross weight, allow the brakes to cool for about 20 minutes before additional heavy braking. The brakes may overheat if there is repeated heavy braking without adequate cooling time."