Incident Overview
On April 19, 2018, at approximately 14:10 UTC, a Cessna 182 (registration not specified) was taxiing at Radom Airport (EPRA) in preparation for departure to Lubin Airport (EPLU). The pilot had previously landed at Radom from Masłów Airport (EPKA) to pick up passengers. While taxiing via taxiway F to the holding point for Runway 25, the pilot frequently applied the right brake to maintain directional control due to strong, gusty crosswinds from the left, perpendicular to the taxi direction. The pilot estimated taxi speed at 15 to 20 knots.
Fire Detection and Evacuation
Before turning onto the taxiway leading to the threshold of Runway 25, the pilot felt a strong jerk, attributed to wind or a gust. After receiving clearance to enter Runway 25, the pilot performed pre-takeoff checks and requested takeoff clearance. Upon receiving clearance, as the pilot began the takeoff roll, a smell of smoke was noticed in the cockpit, followed by smoke emanating from the right side of the fuselage. Looking out the right window, the pilot observed smoke and flames emerging from beneath the right wheel fairing. The pilot immediately broadcast a fire report via radio, requested airport fire services, and ordered passengers to evacuate the aircraft. The pilot also exited. Within tens of seconds, the airport fire brigade arrived and began extinguishing. During the firefighting, the right tire burst. The fire was extinguished after a few minutes. Airport personnel removed the aircraft from the runway and cleaned the surface.
Subsequent Findings
No injuries were sustained by the pilot or passengers. The pilot was tested for alcohol by police at the scene, yielding a result of 0.00‰. The pilot held a valid CPL(A) license, relevant ratings, and a current medical certificate. The aircraft was handed over to the managing maintenance organization. Analysis and discussions with the maintenance organization revealed that the fire originated from dry grass accumulated in the right wheel fairing. The right tire itself was practically undamaged, consistent with grass ignition.
Cause and Contributing Factors
The investigation determined the cause of the incident to be high temperature in the braking system, resulting from prolonged taxiing in strong crosswinds, which ignited a large accumulation of grass in the wheel fairing. A contributing factor was the strong perpendicular wind during taxi.