Probable cause
The loss of directional control while taxiing due to the failure of the right brake.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was designed to use differential braking for directional control while taxiing. The pilot reported that while taxiing for departure, the right brake failed. Subsequently, the airplane departed the left side of the taxiway, impacted a pole and went down an embankment, striking an airport perimeter fence. The left composite wing tip was split open and the wing's leading edge had an 8- to 10-inch chordwise rip in it. Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found that the right brake O-ring in the piston that operates the caliper was hard and flat. When brake fluid was put in the system and the brakes were pumped, the brake fluid was observed to pass directly through the right-hand caliper onto the ground.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08LA217 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 6, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hailey, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, dark
Lancair Company LC41-550FG
- N-number
- N2544W
- 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.