Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved was a BAe ATP, registration G-MANL, powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW-126 turboprop engines. It was manufactured in 1987. The flight was a scheduled public transport passenger service from Luton to Belfast City Airport.
Crew Information
The commander held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence, was 34 years old, and had accumulated 5,550 total flying hours, of which 2,550 were on type. The crew consisted of four persons on board, along with 65 passengers.
Sequence of Events
On 9 August 1998 at 1653 hours UTC, during the approach checks, the brakes were applied, which caused the 'Brake Low Pressure' warning to illuminate. The DC hydraulic pump was switched on to restore accumulator pressure. After the warning cancelled, the foot brakes were again checked, followed by a check of the parking brake. However, the crew failed to notice that the parking brake had been left in the ON position. The aircraft subsequently landed with the parking brake applied.
Damage and Aftermath
Upon landing, all four tyres on the main landing gear burst, and four wheel hubs and brake units were destroyed. The aircraft came to a halt on the runway. There was no fire. The commander considered that an emergency evacuation was not warranted, and the passengers were disembarked using the aircraft stairs. No injuries were reported among the four crew or 65 passengers.
Conclusion
The incident occurred due to the parking brake being left engaged during landing, resulting in substantial damage to the landing gear components.