What happened
On 9 August 1998, a BAe ATP, registration G-MANL, was performing a scheduled public transport service from Luton to Belfast City Airport. During the approach phase of the flight, the crew performed standard checks which involved applying the brakes. This action triggered a 'Brake Low Pressure' warning light in the cockpit.
To address the warning, the crew activated the DC hydraulic pump to restore pressure to the accumulator. Once the warning light had extinguished, the crew proceeded to verify the functionality of the foot brakes and subsequently checked the parking brake. However, during this sequence, the crew did not realize that the parking brake remained in the ON position.
Upon landing at Belfast City Airport, the aircraft touched down with the parking brake engaged. The resulting friction caused all four main landing gear tyres to deflate and burst. The impact and heat destroyed four wheel hubs and the associated brake units. There were no fatalities and no injuries among the 4 crew members or 65 passengers on board. Because no fire developed, the commander opted not to perform an emergency evacuation, and passengers were able to exit via the aircraft stairs.
The investigation
The investigation was initiated following an aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators focused on the sequence of hydraulic system checks performed during the approach and the crew's failure to identify the status of the parking brake prior to touchdown.