Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control during a landing roll due to a failure of the main O-ring in the right brake assembly, which resulted in a loss of brake pressure and subsequent brake failure.
NTSB analysis
Shortly after landing, the airplane veered left. The pilot used right rudder and applied right brake to counteract the turn, and the airplane began to straighten out. Immediately after, he felt that the right brake was not working, and the airplane again made an immediate turn to the left. The airplane exited the left side of the runway, the left-wing tip impacted the ground, and the airplane spun to the left, which resulted in a collapse of the left main landing gear and substantial damage to the left wing.
An examination of the right brake assembly revealed that the center piston O-ring was damaged, and the right brake hydraulic fluid reservoir was empty. These discrepancies resulted in the loss of brake pressure and subsequent failure of the right brake.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20LA172 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 9, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Imperial, California
- Nearest airport
- Imperial County (IPL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ayres S2R
- N-number
- N2245S
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
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.