Monday the 8th of December, 2025

NTSB Final Report: Piper PA-31T3

As He Released The Brakes To Begin Taxiing, The Brake Pedals Went To The Floor With No Braking Action

Location: Appleton, Wisconsin Accident Number: CEN25LA293
Date & Time: July 26, 2025, 07:45 Local Registration: N401VA
Aircraft: Piper PA-31T3 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled

Analysis: The pilot reported that during engine start up, he applied the brakes to the cargo airplane and remained stationary while he received a taxi clearance. As he released the brakes to begin taxiing, the brake pedals went to the floor with no braking action. He pumped the brakes several times with no effect, so he feathered both propellers and shut down the engines. The airplane continued to roll and collided with a parked airplane on the ramp.

Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. A functional check revealed that the brake system was operational with no malfunctions noted. The left main landing gear brake pads were worn beyond allowable limits. The examination did not reveal any other anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. While the left brake pads were worn beyond allowable limits, the main landing gear braking action would have still been available to the pilot.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane on the ground, which resulted in a collision with a parked airplane.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov

 

 

NTSB Final Report: Lafferty Jack Sea Rey

While Landing In The River, The Extended Landing Gear Contacted The Water And The Airplane Nosed Over, Resulting In Substantial Damage

Location: Bell, Florida Accident Number: ERA25LA335
Date & Time: September 6, 2025, 12:52 Local Registration: N2469J
Aircraft: Lafferty Jack Sea Rey Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing gear not configured Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot of the amphibious airplane stated that he departed from a turf runway at his home airport but forgot to raise the landing gear. He planned a short flight to a nearby river where he would make a water landing, before returning to his home airport. While landing in the river, the extended landing gear contacted the water and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the forward portion of the fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to raise the landing gear before landing on the water.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov

 

 

NTSB Final Report: Patriot Aircraft LLC CX1900A

After Draining Both Wing Fuel Tanks, A Significant Amount Of Water Was Observed In The Right Wing Fuel Tank

Location: Centreville, Alabama Accident Number: ERA25LA315
Date & Time: August 20, 2025, 09:00 Local Registration: N150SP
Aircraft: Patriot Aircraft LLC CX1900A Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel contamination Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Business

Analysis: The pilot, who was also the owner of the experimental amateur-built airplane’s kit manufacturer, was performing a demonstration flight for potential buyers. The pilot reported that after fueling the airplane, a preflight inspection was performed and no anomalies were found; however, he stated that he did not sump the fuel tanks or the low-point drains. The pilot stated that after performing the engine runup and allowing the engine to reach operating temperatures, he performed a normal take off. At around 300 ft above ground level, the pilot reported that the engine began to “cut out,” and the pilot pulled the throttle bringing the engine to idle. He then began a left turn back toward the runway and advanced the throttle; however, the engine lost complete power. The pilot realized that he would not make it back to the runway and performed a forced landing into a wooded area.

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that it had sustained substantial damage to the wings. Examination of the engine found evidence of water in the fuel flow divider. After draining both wing fuel tanks, a significant amount of water was observed in the right wing fuel tank. According to the pilot, there were no fueling services available at the departure airport, and so he would fill barrels with fuel and store the barrels at the airport. According to the individuals who fueled the airplane that morning, when fueling the right fuel tank, they needed to tip the fuel barrel all the way on its side to get the last remaining fuel. Based on this information, it is likely that when the right fuel tank was filled, water that had accumulated in the fuel barrel was poured into the right fuel tank, which was then not drained during the preflight inspection. Subsequently, during takeoff, water likely entered the engine’s fuel system and cylinders, resulting in the reported loss of power.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to detect and remove water contamination from the airplane’s fuel system before the flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov