Probable cause
A loss of brake fluid for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a loss of braking effectiveness during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane’s brake system operated normally during the startup, taxi, and takeoff; however, while landing at the destination airport, he attempted to apply the brakes; however, there was no pressure on the brake pedals and no braking was available. There was also no pressure available on the co-pilot’s brake pedals. The airplane rolled the length of the runway. The pilot attempted to turn onto the perpendicular taxiway at the end of the runway, but the airplane departed the pavement and the nose landing gear collapsed. The nose landing gear trunnion and wheel well structure sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence.
An examination of the brake system revealed that the left brake master cylinder was nearly empty and no pressure from the brake pedal to the wheel caliper was available. The right brake master cylinder contained about 1/4-inch of fluid remaining. Pressure to the wheel caliper was obtained with about three-quarter deflection of the brake pedal. The brake lines and calipers did not exhibit any evidence of leakage, and free movement of the caliper pistons was observed. Both the left and right brake linings exhibited minimal remaining thickness with signs of overheating.
Airplane maintenance records noted that the landing gear was worked on during the most recent annual inspection, which was completed about two months before the accident. The pilot reported that the airplane had flown about 40 hours since the inspection. The mechanic who conducted the annual inspection reported that the brakes were inspected and no anomalies were observed at that time.
Although the runway excursion was a result of the loss of brake fluid, the exact reason for the loss of brake fluid during the flight could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA329 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Leadville, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Lake County (LXV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 414
- N-number
- N1652T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.