On January 13, 2022, about 1306 mountain standard time, an Extra Flugzeugbau GMBH, EA-300L airplane, N203EX, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Phoenix, Arizona. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.
The pilot reported that the right wheel brake failed during the landing roll and the tailwheel-equipped airplane subsequently ground looped. During the accident sequence, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right aileron was substantially damaged. The pilot stated the preflight, taxi, takeoff, and flight was uneventful until the landing roll.
Postaccident examination of the brake by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the brake pad had separated from the brake assembly. The brake pad was found on the airplane’s taxi route. Examination revealed that the pad did not fit into the assembly properly, which could result in its coming loose and separating. Additionally, the brake pad was not authorized for use in the accident airplane make and model.