# NTSB WPR09CA017: Piper L-4, N87117, Buckeye, AZ, October 19, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: October 19, 2008, 09:15 local (16:15 UTC) - Place: Buckeye, AZ - Coordinates: 33.420276, -112.686111 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4203&lon=-112.6861&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); [Standing: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 7 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 24, 2008 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 69311 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR09CA017 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69311/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA017 ## Probable cause (aircraft 2) Another airplanes total loss of wheel brakes while taxing which resulted in the pilot of the other aircraft colliding with a standing aircraft. Contributing to the accident was the other airplanes low brake hydraulic fluid. ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) A total loss of wheel brakes while taxiing. Contributing to the accident was low brake hydraulic fluid. ## 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: [Piper L-4J, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023240/cases.md?model=7100520), [All aircraft, 92 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023240/cases.md) - [Fluids: hydraulic fluid](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071015): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid level (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Piper L-4J, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071015/cases.md?model=7100520), [All aircraft, 33 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071015/cases.md) - [Landing gear system: brake](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023242): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Failure (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Cessna TU206A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023242/cases.md?model=2073318), [All aircraft, 297 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023242/cases.md) - [Action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041000): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Cessna TU206A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041000/cases.md?model=2073318), [All aircraft, 111 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041000/cases.md) - [Fluids: hydraulic fluid](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071015): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid level (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Cessna TU206A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071015/cases.md?model=2073318), [All aircraft, 33 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071015/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), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Piper L-4J, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md?model=7100520), [All aircraft, 994 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md) - [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Piper L-4J, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=7100520), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) - [Standing: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Cessna TU206A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=2073318), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 2) The pilot of a Piper L-4 airplane reported that shortly after he started the taxi roll from the parking area, he initiated a shallow turn toward the taxiway. As he reached the taxiway he steered to follow the centerline, however, the airplane continued to turn to the right. He reported, in part, that the left brake inputs were not responsive and the airplane continued to the right and collided with a standing occupied Cessna. Both airplanes sustained substantial damage, but neither the solo airline transport pilot of the Piper, or the commercial pilot and five passengers (skydivers) aboard the Cessna, were injured. Post accident examination of the Piper's brake assembly by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration revealed no evidence of abnormal wear or fluid leaks. The inspectors performed a function test on the brake systems and reported the assemblies did not properly engage when the brake pedals were actuated. The inspectors reported that the brake fluid reservoirs were low. The right side reservoir contained approximately three-quarters of total capacity and the left side reservoir contained approximately one-half of total capacity. ## Analysis (aircraft 1) The pilot of a Piper L-4 airplane reported that shortly after he started the taxi roll from the parking area, he initiated a shallow turn toward the taxiway. As he reached the taxiway he steered to follow the centerline, however, the airplane continued to turn to the right. He reported, in part, that the left brake inputs were not responsive and the airplane continued to the right and collided with a standing occupied Cessna. Both airplanes sustained substantial damage, but neither the solo airline transport pilot of the Piper, or the commercial pilot and five passengers (skydivers) aboard the Cessna, were injured. Post accident examination of the Piper's brake assembly by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration revealed no evidence of abnormal wear or fluid leaks. The inspectors performed a function test on the brake systems and reported the assemblies did not properly engage when the brake pedals were actuated. The inspectors reported that the brake fluid reservoirs were low. The right side reservoir contained approximately three-quarters of total capacity and the left side reservoir contained approximately one-half of total capacity. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 2) The pilot of a Piper L-4 airplane reported that shortly after he started the taxi roll from the parking area, he initiated a shallow turn toward the taxiway. As he reached the taxiway he steered to follow the centerline, however, the airplane continued to turn to the right. He reported, in part, that the left brake inputs were not responsive and the airplane continued to the right and collided with a standing occupied Cessna. Both airplanes sustained substantial damage, but neither the solo airline transport pilot of the Piper, or the commercial pilot and five passengers (skydivers) aboard the Cessna, were injured. Post accident examination of the Piper's brake assembly by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration revealed no evidence of abnormal wear or fluid leaks. The inspectors performed a function test on the brake systems and reported the assemblies did not properly engage when the brake pedals were actuated. The inspectors reported that the brake fluid reservoirs were low. The right side reservoir contained approximately three-quarters of total capacity and the left side reservoir contained approximately one-half of total capacity. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) The pilot of a Piper L-4 airplane reported that shortly after he started the taxi roll from the parking area, he initiated a shallow turn toward the taxiway. As he reached the taxiway he steered to follow the centerline, however, the airplane continued to turn to the right. He reported, in part, that the left brake inputs were not responsive and the airplane continued to the right and collided with a standing occupied Cessna. Both airplanes sustained substantial damage, but neither the solo airline transport pilot of the Piper, or the commercial pilot and five passengers (skydivers) aboard the Cessna, were injured. Post accident examination of the Piper's brake assembly by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration revealed no evidence of abnormal wear or fluid leaks. The inspectors performed a function test on the brake systems and reported the assemblies did not properly engage when the brake pedals were actuated. The inspectors reported that the brake fluid reservoirs were low. The right side reservoir contained approximately three-quarters of total capacity and the left side reservoir contained approximately one-half of total capacity. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N87117](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N87117), registered now, S/N 13452, built 1943 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER L-4 - Registry model: [Piper L-4J](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-l-4j) (registry code 7100520) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 13452 - Engines: Continental A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Pat Donovan - Registered owner: Pat Donovan - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 2008 - Departed: KBXK, Buckeye, AZ - Destination: Blythe, CA - Flight plan: VFR - Airport: KBXK, Buckeye Airport ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N4807F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4807F), registered now, S/N U206-0507, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA TU206A - Registry model: [Cessna TU206A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-tu206a) (registry code 2073318) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental GTSIO-520-C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-gtsio-520-c) (registry code 17035, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: U206-0507 - Engines: CONT MOTOR TSIO-520-C 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Skydiving, Part 91 - Operator: Desert Skydiving Center - Registered owner: Winkler Jeffery L - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Unknown - Departed: KBXK, Buckeye, AZ - Destination: KBXK, Buckeye, AZ - Airport: KBXK, Buckeye Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N87117; age 70; injuries: none; flight engineer, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review May 27, 2008; seat: rear; flight hours: 26,900 total, 73 in this make and model - Other flight crew, aircraft N4807F; age 38; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 774 total, 12 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day ## 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 20081019850239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20081019850239A), Oct 19, 2008: Piper L4J, Buckeye, AZ, Substantial damage. (-23) Upon arrival, the pilot taxied the Piper cub to the fuel pumps on the south end of the ramp area east of the runway 17/35. After fueling, the Piper was… - [Accident 20081019850169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20081019850169A), Oct 19, 2008: Cessna TU206A, Buckeye, AZ, Substantial damage. (-23) On the south end of the ramp area east of the runway 17/35, the pilot of the Cessna 206 with the engine running was preparing to taxi to runway 17 with 5… 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.