# NTSB LAX93LA082: Maule MX-7-180, N5653R, Oceano, CA, December 30, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 30, 1992, 13:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Oceano, CA
- Coordinates: 35.040714, -120.620239 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0407&lon=-120.6202&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27897
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA082
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27897/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA082

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S OPERATION OF THE AIRCRAFT WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - landing gear,normal brake system - other
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID THAT THE LEFT BRAKE SEEMED TO BE DRAGGING ON LANDING AND HE WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE LEFT TURNING TENDENCY WITH RUDDER AND RIGHT BRAKE INPUTS. THE AIRCRAFT DRIFTED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND GROUND LOOPED AFTER ENCOUNTERING SOFT SOIL. THE PILOT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN UNRESOLVED MAINTENANCE PROBLEM WITH DRAGGING BRAKES AND THE ABILITY TO COMPLETELY RELEASE THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN HE BEGAN THE FLIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5653R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5653R), registered now, S/N 11001C (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE MX-7-180
- Registry model: [Maule MX-7-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-mx-7-180) (registry code 5460185) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-360-A1D](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-360-a1d) (registry code 41504, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 11001C
- Airframe hours: 490
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-C1F 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Joseph R. Caetano
- Registered owner: Joseph R. Caetano
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 6, 1992, 396 hours before
- Departed: O18, HANFORD, CA
- Airport: L52, Oceano County, runway 29, 2,335 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 316 total, 75 in this make and model, 17 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Incident 19921230052559I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921230052559I), Dec 30, 1992: Maule MX7180, Oceano, CA, Minor damage. Pilot stated that the left brake locked on landing. The aircraft ground looped.

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.

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