# NTSB LAX94LA245: Cessna 180J, N180DK, Sedona, AZ, June 9, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 9, 1994, 12:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Sedona, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.93988, -111.939002 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9399&lon=-111.9390&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 5, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28765
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA245
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28765/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA245

## Probable cause

a loss of directional control due to a locked brake from a leaking hydraulic system.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - landing gear,normal brake system - locked (cause)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command
  - hydraulic system - leak (contributing factor)
- Gear collapsed, takeoff - aborted
  - landing gear - overload

## Analysis

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.

## 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.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N180DK](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N180DK), registered now, S/N 18052456, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180J
- Registry model: [Cessna 180J](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180j) (registry code 2072622) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18052456
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470 265 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David Klages
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 11, 1993, 40 hours before
- Departed: SEZ
- Destination: SKX, TAOS, NM
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: SEZ, Sedona, runway 21, 5,131 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,800 total, 700 in this make and model, 25 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FLG

## 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 19940609014579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940609014579A), Jun 9, 1994: Cessna 180J, Sedona, AZ, Substantial damage. Swerved on takeoff. Collapsed right main gear. Left brake locked. Torque plate misaligned jammed brake. Fluid leak.

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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