Casualties unknown

Brake Fluid Leak Causes Smoke from Landing Gear on LOT Embraer ERJ-175

EPWA, PL

On June 15, 2016, an EMBRAER, 175 was involved in an aviation accident near EPWA, PL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of a brake line on the right main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL).

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

On June 15, 2016, a LOT Polish Airlines Embraer ERJ-175 emitted smoke from the right main landing gear after parking. Investigation revealed a brake fluid leak due to a failed brake line, with no injuries.

Incident Overview

On June 15, 2016, at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA), a LOT Polish Airlines Embraer ERJ-175 experienced an incident after taxiing to its parking stand. Approximately three minutes after the aircraft stopped and was secured, a ground coordinator noticed smoke emanating from the right main landing gear. The ground handling was halted, and the captain was notified, who then summoned the airport fire service.

Crew Actions and Inspection

The flight crew did not observe any indications of brake overheating or other anomalies. During inspection of the right main landing gear, an intensive leak of brake fluid was discovered. The leak was caused by a failure of one of the brake system lines. The escaping brake fluid, upon contact with the hot brake discs, was vaporizing, which had been initially perceived as smoke.

Containment and Cleanup

The spilled brake fluid on the parking apron was neutralized. No further operational issues were reported.

Cause

The direct cause of the incident was determined to be a failure of a brake line on the right main landing gear.

Preventive Measures

The operator, LOT Polish Airlines, recorded the event in its Safety Management System (SMS) database and classified it according to the company's criteria. The incident will be included in Safety Performance Indicators (SPI) monitored per the guidelines in the Safety Management Manual.

Safety Recommendations

The investigation commission issued no safety recommendations.

Probable cause

Failure of a brake line on the right main landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jun 2016 EMBRAER, 175 accident near EPWA, PL?

On June 15, 2016, a LOT Polish Airlines Embraer ERJ-175 emitted smoke from the right main landing gear after parking. Investigation revealed a brake fluid leak due to a failed brake line, with no injuries.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jun 2016 involved an EMBRAER, 175, at EPWA, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of a brake line on the right main landing gear.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2016-1326/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.