# NTSB ERA09CA227: Piper PA-31-325, N707AG, Newark, NJ, April 2, 2009 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: April 2, 2009, 18:30 local (22:30 UTC) - Place: Newark, NJ - Coordinates: 40.692501, -74.168609 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.6925&lon=-74.1686&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Taxi-to runway: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 14, 2009 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 73593 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA09CA227 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/73593/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA227 ## Probable cause The pilot's decision to continue to operate the airplane with inoperative brakes on the airplane's right side. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Landing gear system: brake](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023242): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Malfunction; cases with it: [Piper PA-31-325, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023242/cases.md?model=7103105), [All aircraft, 297 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023242/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-31-325, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=7103105), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Taxi-to runway: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330); cases with it: [Piper PA-31-325, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md?model=7103105), [All aircraft, 994 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md) - [Taxi-to runway: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-31-325, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=7103105), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Taxi-to runway: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA-31-325, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7103105), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot aborted a previous takeoff because he was unable to maintain directional control of the airplane. He taxied the airplane to parking, inspected it visually, and elected to attempt another takeoff. During taxi, the control tower directed the pilot to complete a 180-degree turn. While turning, the pilot experienced a loss of brake pressure and directional control. He then applied asymmetrical engine power in an effort to complete the turn, but struck a fence post resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. Inspection of the airplane by the FAA revealed inoperative brakes on the airplane's right side. ## Factual narrative The pilot aborted a previous takeoff because he was unable to maintain directional control of the airplane. He taxied the airplane to parking, inspected it visually, and elected to attempt another takeoff. During taxi, the control tower directed the pilot to complete a 180-degree turn. While turning, the pilot experienced a loss of brake pressure and directional control. He then applied asymmetrical engine power in an effort to complete the turn, but struck a fence post, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. Inspection of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed inoperative brakes on the airplane's right side. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N707AG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N707AG-2023-12-12), registration cancelled 2023-12-12, S/N 31-8012001, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-325 - Registry model: [Piper PA-31-325](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31-325) (registry code 7103105) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 31-8012001 - Airframe hours: 3482 - Engines: LYCOMING TI0-540 SER 310 horsepower reciprocating; LYCOMING TI0-540 SER 310 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Emersums LLC - Registered owner: Emersums LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 12, 2008, 48 hours before - Departed: EWR, Newark, NJ - Destination: EWR, Newark, NJ - Flight plan: Unknown - Airport: EWR, Newark Liberty Int. Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 69; injuries: none; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review September 18, 2008; seat: left; flight hours: 11,800 total, 233 in this make and model, 11,574 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days, 17 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 170° at 8 knots - Visibility: 8 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft overcast - Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: EWR ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20090402008849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090402008849A), Apr 2, 2009: Piper PA31325, Newark, NJ, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot stated that he aborted his first takeoff attempt on rwy 22R at kewr because he could not maintain directional control. When askeed if the reason he… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.