Amateur-built Velocity N92VA accident near Livermore, California

Probable cause

The failure of the right brake due to a restricted brake rotor and subsequent brake fluid line failure as a result of inadequate maintenance.

NTSB analysis

The mechanic/pilot performed engine maintenance on the experimental airplane and was taking the airplane out for a high-speed taxi and check flight. He said that during the takeoff roll the right brake did not feel as he expected it to, and he decided to abort the takeoff. As the airplane exited the runway and proceeded onto the taxiway, the pilot activated the right brake to straighten the airplane when the right brake failed. The airplane began to spin and came to rest on an adjacent grassy area where the right brake ignited a fire burning the grass and the airplane. By the time the fire department arrived, the airplane's engine section, firewall, and part of the fuselage had been fire damaged. A postaccident inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the right brake caliper had been restricted by the wheel pant. This caused drag on the brake rotor allowing it to build up heat and eventually caused the fluid line to fail.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA307 for the full record.