Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents
Learn from Colorado's accident history to fly safer in the Rockies
2310 Total Accidents
425 Fatal
816 Fatalities
1982-2026
← Back to all accidents
Minor/None
Rifle, Colorado
NTSB Narrative
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot had just completed practice for his air show performance and was landing on runway 26. The pilot stated that he landed fast and while braking to make an intersection, the brakes became hot and the right brake began to fade. The airplane began to track to the left and the pilot steered the airplane between two taxi lights. The airplane impacted a taxiway sign, breaking the right lower right inboard spar. The pilot did not see the sign prior to impact. An examination of the airplane, conducted by the FAA, revealed no mechanical anomalies. The pilot's excessive landing speed and subsequent excessive brake application which resulted in a loss of control and impact with an airport sign.
Case Study & Lessons Learned
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NTSB Findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Incorrect use/operation - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Surface speed/braking-Not attained/maintained - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Brake-Capability exceeded
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot - C
Details
| NTSB Report | CEN09CA520 |
| Aircraft | GRAHN J/GRAHN G PITTS S2S |
| Registration | N540S |
| Damage | SUBS |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Location | 39.5261, -107.7269 |
