Columbia Aircraft Mfg LC41-550FG N2546B accident near Dallas, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during taxi due to excessively worn brake pads and a deflated right main tire.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot was taxiing to the ramp after an uneventful landing when the airplane did not respond to his application of brakes. The airplane subsequently departed the taxiway and entered a grass median, where the right wing impacted a lighted taxiway sign. The airplane was not equipped with nosewheel steering and relied on differential brake input to steer the airplane while on the ground. A postaccident examination noted that the brake pads for both main landing gear were worn excessively, which allowed brake fluid to leak past their respective O-ring seals when the brake pedals were depressed. Additionally, the right main tire was deflated and exhibited rotational scoring where the wheel rim had contacted the tire. It is likely that the right main tire deflated during taxi and the pilot was unable to adequately maintain directional control due to the excessively worn brake pads.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA315 for the full record.