On August 7, 2005, a Cirrus Design Corp. SR20 (registration N915DJ) operated by Cerified Flyers II was involved in an aviation accident near Farmingdale, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A fire that originated at the right main landing gear brake caliper and piston, during taxi, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot observed smoke from the right wing while taxiing; a fire originating at the right main landing gear brake consumed part of the wing.
Incident Overview
During taxi to a runway, the pilot experienced the airplane pulling to the right. After stopping for a run-up, she noticed smoke emanating from the right wing. She immediately shut down the engine and evacuated the aircraft.
Examination Findings
Post-incident examination revealed that the fire originated at the right main landing gear brake piston and caliper. Hydraulic brake fluid served as the fuel for the fire, which consumed a significant portion of the right wing. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Operational Context
The pilot was performing a run-up when the fire was detected. No other contributing factors were identified in the examination.