Probable cause
The failure of the right brake hydraulic line during taxi due to fatigue, which caused a loss of hydraulic fluid and rendered the brake inoperative.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was conducting a nonscheduled passenger flight. The pilot reported that, while he was turning the airplane to align it with the runway for takeoff, the right brake failed. The pilot subsequently intentionally ground looped the airplane to avoid elevated terrain near the runway, during which the right wing struck terrain.
Postaccident examination of the right brake hydraulic line revealed that it was cracked where the line bends between the fuselage and main landing gear leg. It is likely that the crack caused a hydraulic fluid leak, which rendered the brake inoperative. Metallurgical examination of the fracture surface revealed fatigue striations and ratchet mark formations, consistent with a fatigue fracture.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15LA234 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 26, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Dixie, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Wilson Bar Usfs (C48)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180J
- N-number
- N52095
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.