# NTSB ERA09LA057: Campbell Earl S JR RV-6A, N914ES, Cambridge, MD, October 26, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 26, 2008, 10:00 local (14:00 UTC) - Place: Cambridge, MD - Coordinates: 38.539165, -76.030281 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5392&lon=-76.0303&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Taxi-from runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); [Standing-engine(s) shutdown: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 9, 2009 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 69453 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA09LA057 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69453/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=69453 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA057 ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) The failure of the RV-6A's right brake assembly o-ring due to excessive heat. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Landing gear system: landing gear brakes system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023240): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Failure (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Campbell Earl S JR RV-6A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023240/cases.md?model=05623LB), [All aircraft, 92 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023240/cases.md) - [Landing gear system: landing gear brakes system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023240): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Failure (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Getgood G Fraser VANS RV-8A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023240/cases.md?model=0561738), [All aircraft, 92 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023240/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Taxi-from runway: Aircraft maintenance event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/040), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Campbell Earl S JR RV-6A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/040/sequence.md?model=05623LB), [All aircraft, 484 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/040/sequence.md) - [Taxi-from runway: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Campbell Earl S JR RV-6A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md?model=05623LB), [All aircraft, 994 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md) - [Taxi-from runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Campbell Earl S JR RV-6A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=05623LB), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) - [Standing-engine(s) shutdown: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Getgood G Fraser VANS RV-8A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=0561738), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 1) Following an uneventful flight and landing at the destination, the RV-6A was following the RV-8A to the parking area. The RV-8A parked first, and the pilot of the RV-6A planned to park his airplane immediately to the right of the RV-8A. As the RV-6A approached the stationary RV-8A from the right and perpendicular to the RV-8A, the RV-6A pilot applied right brake in order to turn the airplane into the intended parking spot. The brake "failed totally," and the right wing and propeller of the RV-6A struck the other airplane, resulting in substantial damage to both airplanes. Examination of the o-ring between the main brake housing and the piston on the right wheel brake assembly revealed that it was dimensionally different than a newly manufactured o-ring, due to damage induced by excessive heat. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) On October 26, 2008, about 1000 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Vans RV-8A, N88FG, was substantially damaged when it was struck by an experimental amateur-built RV-6A, N914ES, while standing at Cambridge-Dorchester Airport (CGE), Cambridge, Maryland. The certificated commercial pilot of the RV-8A, and the certificated private pilot of the RV-6A, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and neither airplane was operating on a flight plan. The personal flights, which both departed from Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport (MRB), Martinsburg, West Virginia, were conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Both pilots provided written statements that recounted a similar series of events. According to the pilots, after landing at CGE, both airplanes taxied to the parking area. The RV-8A parked first, and the pilot of the RV-6A planned to park his airplane immediately to the right of the RV-8A. As the RV-6A approached the stationary RV-8A from the right and perpendicular to the RV-8A, the RV-6A pilot applied right brake in order to turn the airplane into the intended parking spot. The brake "failed totally," and the pilot then pumped the brake several times, with no response. The pilot then applied left brake to avoid hitting the RV-8A, but the right wing of the RV-6A struck the right wing of the other airplane. The RV-6A turned to the right, and the propeller of the RV-6A struck the right horizontal stabilizer of the RV-8A, substantially damaging it. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined both airplanes, and noted the presence of brake fluid both on the exterior of the right brake and on the ground around the right wheel of the RV-6A. According to the inspector, the right wing tips of both aircraft were damaged as well as the horizontal stabilizer of the parked airplanes. According to the pilot/builder of the RV-6A, a post-accident disassembly of the right brake revealed that the o-ring between the main brake housing (cylinder assembly) and the piston had "deteriorated." The RV-6A's most recent conditional inspection was completed on September 23, 2008, and the airplane had accumulated 718 total hours of operation on that date. The National Transportation Safety Board subsequently retained the o-ring, and shipped it to the brake assembly manufacturer for further testing under the supervision of FAA inspectors. An acceptance test was performed utilizing a new brake assembly, with the accident o-ring installed. Once the o-ring was in place, pressure was applied using a test stand, and hydraulic fluid immediately leaked from the brake assembly piston area. The accident o-ring was removed and a new o-ring installed to verify the condition of the test brake assembly. The brake assembly passed the inspection with no leaks noted using the new o-ring. The manufacturer subsequently performed an analysis of the o-ring for materialtype, hardness, and dimensions. A Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope (FTIR) analysis showed that both the accident o-ring and a new (control) o-ring were composed of a nitrile rubber compound, conforming to the o-ring material requirements set by the manufacturer's engineering drawing; however, the FTIR spectrum of the accident o-ring indicated the presence of an unknown substance on its outside diameter surfaces. Dimensional measurements showed that the accident o-ring was smaller in size that the control o-ring, with a compression set of about 8 percent on contacting surfaces in radial dimensions. Hardness testing revealed that the accident o-ring exhibited a greater hardness than the control o-ring. The testing concluded that the abnormalities observed were consistent with the accident o-ring having experienced excessive heat. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N914ES](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N914ES-2013-12-20), registration cancelled 2013-12-20, S/N 20828 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CAMPBELL EARL S JR RV-6A - Registry model: [Campbell Earl S JR RV-6A](https://openairdocs.org/model/campbell-earl-s-jr-rv-6a) (registry code 05623LB) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 20828 - Airframe hours: 718 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320 SERIES 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Minor damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, September 23, 2008 - Departed: EZF, Fredericksburg, VA - Destination: CGE, Cambridge, MD - Airport: CGE, Cambridge-Dorchester Airport ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N88FG](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N88FG), registered now, S/N 1918, built 2004 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: GETGOOD G FRASER VANS RV-8A - Registry model: [Getgood G Fraser VANS RV-8A](https://openairdocs.org/model/getgood-g-fraser-vans-rv-8a) (registry code 0561738) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-360-series) (registry code 17025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 1918 - Engines: CONT MOTOR IO-360 SER 300 horsepower - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: EZF, Fredericksburg, VA - Destination: CGE, Cambridge, MD - Airport: CGE, Cambridge-Dorchester Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N914ES; age 63; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review December 14, 2007; seat: left; flight hours: 1,550 total, 600 in this make and model, 1,444 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days - Pilot, aircraft N88FG; age 63; injuries: none; commercial; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 24, 2008; seat: left; flight hours: 3,625 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 330° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 41 °F - Altimeter: 29.98 inHg - Observed at: CGE ## FAA reports on this event (2) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20081026851099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20081026851099A), Oct 26, 2008: Campbe RV6, Cambridge, MD, Minor damage. (-23) Aircraft (N914ES) taxied on the ramp (at cge) toward a parked aircraft (N88FG). When the aircraft (N914ES) attempted to make a right turn to park along… - [Accident 20081026851109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20081026851109A), Oct 26, 2008: Getgoo RV8A, Cambridge, MD, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft (N914ES) taxied on the ramp (at cge) toward a parked aircraft (N88FG). When the aircraft (N914ES) attempted to make a right turn to park along… ## Other investigations on N914ES (1) 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. - [NTSB CEN13FA446](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13FA446), Jul 29, 2013: Campbell Earl S JR RV-6A (N914ES), Knox, IN, destroyed, 1 fatal. Probable cause: The incapacitation of the pilot due to a cardiovascular event that prevented him from maintaining control of the airplane during the landing approach. ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 18, 2009, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=69453. 2.9 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 598 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40316455&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - RV-6A Pilot Statement (item 2, .PDF, 26 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40316456&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=RV-6A%20Pilot%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - RV-8A Pilot Statement (item 3, .PDF, 52 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40316457&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=RV-8A%20Pilot%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Parker Aerospace Laboratory Report (item 4, .PDF, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40316458&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Parker%20Aerospace%20Laboratory%20%20Report-Redacted.PDF - FAA Statement About Lab Test (item 5, .PDF, 59 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40316459&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Statement%20About%20Lab%20Test-Master.PDF - Engineering Sketch of Brake Assembly (item 6, .PDF, 53 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40316460&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Engineering%20Sketch%20of%20Brake%20Assembly-Master.PDF 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.