DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND GMBH DA 40

Cape Girardeau, MO — July 14, 2009

Event Information

DateJuly 14, 2009
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberCEN09CA493
Event ID20090804X55434
LocationCape Girardeau, MO
CountryUSA
Coordinates37.22528, -89.57083
AirportCape Girardeau Regional Airpor
Highest InjuryMINR

Aircraft

MakeDIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND GMBH
ModelDA 40
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionNITE
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
None0
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

The airplane's inoperative brakes while taxiing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight.

Full Narrative

The pilot flew his airplane to a mechanic at a fixed base operator (FBO) for repairs to the airplane's brakes. The pilot reported that next day he called the mechanic and the mechanic indicated that the repairs would be complete and the airplane could be picked up later in the day. He told the mechanic that he would pick up the plane that evening. The pilot said that he called the FBO where the person at the front desk found his keys and indicated that they would be waiting for him at the front desk. There was no note on the keys indicating that the repairs were not complete. The pilot preflighted the airplane and the brakes and wheels appeared normal. The brakes were "firm" when pressure was applied. The airplane was started and the pilot proceeded to taxi the airplane. He stated that the airplane did not stop when pressure was applied to both brakes. The airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted a standing fuel truck. The pilot said that the mechanic left him a voice mail message indicating the brakes had not been repaired and that parts would be in the next day. According to the pilot, he was not aware of the mechanic's message until after the accident.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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