Cessna 180 N3142C accident near Caldwell, Idaho

Probable cause

A loss of directional control and runway excursion for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he landed with a direct left crosswind and noted a steady half windsock deflection. The airplane bounced once before settling onto the runway. During the landing roll, he retracted the flaps to one notch and deflected the ailerons into the wind. Light right rudder deflection and right braking was required for the existing conditions. The pilot stated that as the landing roll progressed, the right brake failed to activate, and the airplane veered toward the side of the runway. The pilot did not want to risk aborting the landing and the airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway surface into brush and rough terrain. The right main landing gear collapsed after bouncing across one ditch, and the right wing sustained substantial damage after the airplane bounced across a second ditch. The pilot stated that during his preflight inspection there were no signs of brake fluid leakage on the brake assembly or on the hangar floor, and that the right brake functioned normally during taxi and departure. Immediately after the accident, the pilot noted that although the wreckage was on top of the right main landing gear, the right tire was inflated, and the brake caliper was coated in brake fluid. Due to the damage, it could not be determined if a brake anomaly existed prior to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA241 for the full record.