Probable cause
The failure of the right brake due to the separation of the brake pad from the brake assembly. Also causal was the improper maintenance of the airplane, which resulted in the use of a brake pad that was inappropriate for the airplane make and model.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, following an uneventful flight, the right main wheel brake failed during the landing roll and the tailwheel-equipped airplane subsequently ground looped, resulting in a collapse of the right main landing gear and substantial damage to the right aileron.
Postaccident examination revealed that the brake pad had separated from the brake assembly. The brake pad was found on the airplane’s taxi route. Examination revealed that the pad did not properly fit into the assembly, which could result in its coming loose and separating. Additionally, the brake pad was not authorized for use in the accident airplane make and model.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA088 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 13, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (IWA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Extra Flugzeugbau Gmbh EA 300/L
- N-number
- N203EX
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2015
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.