On January 25, 1998, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N2881D) was involved in an aviation accident near Alexandria, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fire in the normal braking system due to an undetermined reason. 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 braking system fire started while an airplane held short of runway 14. The controller saw smoke and alerted the pilot; the pilot and passenger evacuated. The fire destroyed the cockpit and lower sections; cause undetermined due to damage.
Incident Description
While holding short of runway 14 for takeoff, a braking system fire erupted on an airplane. Prior to the fire, air traffic control personnel observed the airplane taxiing at a fast speed for approximately 2 miles, which was attributed to ongoing airport construction. The airplane reached the runway and was holding short when the controller noticed smoke emanating from the lower part of the aircraft and promptly advised the pilot.
Evacuation and Fire Damage
The pilot and one passenger exited the aircraft following the controller's warning. Subsequently, the fire spread and consumed the cockpit and lower portions of the aircraft. The extent of the fire damage prevented investigators from determining the specific cause of the braking system fire.