No fatalities

Smoke from Right Main Landing Gear During Taxi at Frankfurt

Port Lotniczy Frankfurt (EDDF), PL

On May 20, 2009, an Embraer ERJ-170 was involved in an aviation accident near Port Lotniczy Frankfurt (EDDF), PL. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

An EMBRAER ERJ-170 operated by LOT experienced smoke from the right main gear after pushback at Frankfurt airport. The crew stopped twice and passengers deplaned on the taxiway. Brake disc damage was found in multiple brake assemblies. The investigation was closed without determining the cause.

Incident Overview

On 20 May 2009, an EMBRAER ERJ-170 aircraft operated by PLL "LOT" SA experienced an incident during taxi at Frankfurt Airport (EDDF). After pushback and initial taxiing, the crew of another aircraft taxiing behind reported smoke emanating from the area of the right main landing gear wheels. The flight crew, who had received no brake lock indications, stopped the aircraft and requested marshal assistance.

Sequence of Events

Attempting to clear the main taxiway, the crew resumed taxi but was again warned of smoke from the right main gear. The aircraft was stopped a second time, and the controller summoned the fire brigade. Passengers disembarked onto the taxiway. Subsequent technical inspection of the right main landing gear wheels revealed damage to the disc of the right outer brake assembly. Further detailed inspection uncovered damage to discs in brake assemblies number 2, number 1, and number 3. Those assemblies were replaced. Photographs of the damaged brake components were taken.

Investigation Outcome

The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) reported that it received no additional data regarding this event. Due to the lack of data and the operator's policy of retaining investigation reports for no longer than five years, PKBWL closed the investigation without establishing a cause. No safety recommendations were issued.

All Embraer ERJ-170 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 May 2009 Embraer ERJ-170 accident near Port Lotniczy Frankfurt (EDDF), PL?

An EMBRAER ERJ-170 operated by LOT experienced smoke from the right main gear after pushback at Frankfurt airport. The crew stopped twice and passengers deplaned on the taxiway. Brake disc damage was found in multiple brake assemblies. The investigation was closed without determining the cause.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 May 2009 Embraer ERJ-170 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 May 2009 involved an Embraer ERJ-170, at Port Lotniczy Frankfurt (EDDF), PL.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2009-0303/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.