What happened
On June 7, 2015, at 21:11 UTC, an Airbus A320, registration CS-TKJ, operated by SATA INTERNACIONAL, was prepared for a scheduled flight from Porto Airport (LPPR) to Ponta Delgada (LPPD). The aircraft was carrying 152 passengers and 7 crew members.
While positioned at Stand 31, the flight crew inquired with Air Traffic Control (ATC) regarding the possibility of using runway 35 instead of runway 17. ATC responded that they would advise during pushback depending on traffic, but indicated it was unlikely. The aircraft was subsequently cleared for pushback and start-up, then instructed to taxi to the runway 17 holding point via Foxtrot and back-track on the runway for a full-length takeoff. During the taxi phase, ATC requested that the crew expedite their movement, a request which the crew accepted.
After receiving takeoff clearance, the aircraft commenced its departure. However, the flight commander reported that the brakes already indicated a temperature of 250°C at the start of the taxi. Due to the pressure to expedite the taxi as requested by ATC, the temperature rose to the maximum limit of 300°C during the takeoff roll, triggering a "BRAKES HOT" ECAM message. The commander decided to continue the takeoff rather than aborting the maneuver. The aircraft maintained its landing gear in the down position until the brake temperatures decreased to between 180°C and 200°C.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation utilized data provided by both the aircraft operator and Air Traffic Control to examine the circumstances of the event. The investigation focused on the impact of ATC instructions on the crew's ability to manage aircraft performance and thermal limits.