Airframe event involving a Cessna Aircraft Company 180A, VH-UPH, William Creek, SA on 19 August 1994

Take-off was rejected when the pilot realised that the aircraft could only be turned to the left due to malfunction of the right brake assembly. Subsequent investigation revealed that the right brake torque plate had failed. Metallurgical examination found that the torque plate had failed due to a fatigue fracture at one of the thru-bolt holes. The initiation and propagation of the fatigue crack had resulted from the lack of sufficient torque on the centre thru-bolt.