Casualties unknown

Uncommanded Brake Application Prompts Emergency Evacuation (N408AT)

Dfw Airport, TX, US

On January 17, 1995, an Atr 72-212 (registration N408AT) operated by Simmons Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Dfw Airport, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE UNCOMMANDED ACTIVATION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM ON THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR FOR UNDETERMINED REASON. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N408AT
Aircraft registered N408AT. Photo: Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

About five seconds after touchdown, an uncommanded brake application occurred on the right main landing gear. The pilot maintained control. While taxiing, a hot brake warning and fire led to an emergency evacuation. The cause could not be determined.

Incident Sequence

Approximately five seconds after the airplane touched down, the flight crew experienced an uncommanded brake application affecting both tires on the right main landing gear. The pilot was able to maintain directional control of the airplane by using left rudder and nose wheel steering. The airplane continued taxiing toward the gate. While taxiing, the hot brake temperature warning light for the right main landing gear illuminated. Subsequently, a fire was observed in the vicinity of the right landing gear. The crew initiated an emergency evacuation on the taxiway.

Investigation Findings

A thorough examination of the landing gear and brake system components was conducted. No anomalies were found with any of these components. The reason for the uncommanded brake application could not be determined.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X02856. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.