On March 16, 1997, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N1102N) operated by Charles T. Kelly was involved in an aviation accident near Memphis, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of maintenance personnel to properly inspect (and repair) the brake assembly, which allowed a subsequent brake fluid leak and eventual fire. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot noticed a fire from under the right wing while holding short for takeoff. After evacuation, firefighters extinguished the blaze. Investigation showed the fire originated from the right wheel assembly due to worn brake seals and absence of brake fluid.
Incident Summary
While the pilot held the aircraft short of the runway in preparation for takeoff, a fire was observed emanating from beneath the right wing. The pilot immediately alerted airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) personnel and evacuated the airplane. Firefighters responded and extinguished the fire.
Examination Findings
Post-incident examination determined that the fire had originated from the right wheel assembly, not from the wing itself. Inspection of the wheel revealed that the brake seals were worn and the brake fluid reservoir was empty. The brake linings and discs exhibited heavy scouring. Furthermore, the brake pads had not been replaced in over 400 hours of operation.
Maintenance History
The master brake cylinder had been replaced eight days prior to the incident during an annual inspection. No other recent maintenance actions related to the braking system were noted.