Amateur-built VANS RV-8A N88FG and Amateur-built RV-6A N914ES accident near Cambridge, Maryland

Probable cause

The failure of the RV-6A's right brake assembly o-ring due to excessive heat.

NTSB analysis

Following an uneventful flight and landing at the destination, the RV-6A was following the RV-8A to the parking area. The RV-8A parked first, and the pilot of the RV-6A planned to park his airplane immediately to the right of the RV-8A. As the RV-6A approached the stationary RV-8A from the right and perpendicular to the RV-8A, the RV-6A pilot applied right brake in order to turn the airplane into the intended parking spot. The brake "failed totally," and the right wing and propeller of the RV-6A struck the other airplane, resulting in substantial damage to both airplanes. Examination of the o-ring between the main brake housing and the piston on the right wheel brake assembly revealed that it was dimensionally different than a newly manufactured o-ring, due to damage induced by excessive heat.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA057 for the full record.