Jet brakes caught fire after aborted take-off in Shannon

THE Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) has issued a report on an incident at Shannon on August 15 of 2019, in which a fire began in the landing gear of a Boeing 767-33A aircraft, writes Owen Ryan.

Synopsising what had happened, the AAIU report says, “During the take-off roll on Runway (RWY) 24 at Shannon Airport (EINN), Ireland, the Commander heard an unusual noise and elected to reject the take-off. Following the rejected take-off, the aircraft was taxied to a holding area for brake cooling.

“It was subsequently decided to return to the parking stand. During the taxi back to stand, Shannon ATC observed smoke and then a fire in the area of the left main landing gear.

“Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) vehicles were deployed and the fire was extinguished. The passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft via emergency slides. One passenger sustained a minor injury during the evacuation.”

It said that the incident was probably caused by the brake system overheating after the failed take off.

“In summary, following a high-speed rejected take-off, and subsequent period of taxiing, a fire started in the left main landing gear area.

“The fire was rapidly extinguished by the Airport Fire and Rescue Service, and passengers and crew were evacuated.

“Subsequent examination of the wheels, brakes and flight recorder data found no identifiable cause of the fire.

“It is therefore probable, that the combination of a rejected take-off at high speed, combined with a lengthy period of taxiing where brakes, particularly on the left side were used, caused the brake system to overheat and a fire to ignite in the left main gear bogie.”

There were 145 passengers and 10 crew on board the aircraft on the day. No safety recommendations were issued.