Probable cause
The malfunction of the right main wheel brake during taxi due to a faulty O-ring in the right brake pedal master cylinder.
NTSB analysis
The pilot had completed his before takeoff checks, and was taxiing the tailwheel-equipped airplane onto the runway for departure. He added power and initiated a left turn to align the airplane with the runway, while attempting to stop the turn the right brake failed and the airplane ground looped striking the right wing on the gravel runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and aileron.
An examination of the right brake master cylinder revealed that the right brake would not hold pressure and the O-ring within the master cylinder had dried out allowing brake fluid to leak past.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC13CA075 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 8, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- North Pole, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Bradley Sky-Ranch (95Z)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 185D
- N-number
- N75LE
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.