Probable cause
A failure of the brake system during landing due to a hydraulic fluid leak, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a test flight following an annual inspection, he landed normally, but the brakes faded almost immediately after he applied them. The pilot exited the runway, and the airplane collided with a fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination of the brake system revealed a small leak at the brake line fitting at the left caliper and the brake fluid reservoir was 2/3 empty.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA178 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 4, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Vancouver, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Pearson Filed Airport (VUO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28R-200
- N-number
- N9404N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.