Primary finding
Probable cause
a loss of directional control due to a locked brake from a leaking hydraulic system.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane veered to the left during takeoff and the right main landing gear collapsed. Examination of the brakes by an airframe and powerplant mechanic revealed the left brake had locked up. The brake torque plate was found misaligned, and jamming the brake shoe against the wheel. The mechanic also indicated in his report that the brake cylinders had been seeping hydraulic fluid and this fluid, mixed with brake dust and dirt, had covered the brake caliper assembly.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 9, 1994, at 1200 hours mountain daylight time, a Cessna 180J, N180DK, collapsed the right main landing gear after the pilot experienced a directional control problem during a takeoff at the Sedona Airport, Sedona, Arizona. The airplane was being operated by the pilot/owner as a personal flight to Taos, New Mexico. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the certificated private pilot and his passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), examination of the brakes by an airframe and powerplant mechanic revealed the left brake had locked up. The brake torque plate was found misaligned, and jamming the brake shoe against the wheel. The mechanic also indicated in his report that the brake cylinders had been seeping hydraulic fluid and this fluid, mixed with brake dust and dirt, had covered the brake caliper assembly. This dirty fluid had entered the caliper guide bushings and had effectively reduced the guide pin to guide bushing clearance to near zero. -