What happened
On 7 June 2010, a Cessna Citation CJ1+, registration N646VP, was prepared for a private flight from Leeds Bradford Airport to Cannes Mandelieu Airport. During the takeoff roll, the pilot noticed that the aircraft's acceleration was not meeting expectations. Upon reaching approximately 80 kt, the pilot determined the aircraft would not reach V1 and initiated a rejected takeoff.
Following the decision to abort, the pilot closed the throttles and applied maximum braking. However, the aircraft began to drift toward the left edge of the runway. During the deceleration attempt, the right brake caught fire, and the aircraft eventually ran off the end of the paved surface. The aircraft traveled down a 10-degree slope, crossing a perimeter road and striking a fence. The impact caused the nose landing gear to detach and the right main landing gear to collapse. Both occupants of the aircraft escaped without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft' and the accident site, noting that the aircraft's path left a trail of hydraulic fluid on the runway. The investigation found that the right brake assembly had almost completely disintegrated due to extreme heat, and the left brake also showed signs of significant overheating.
Engine examinations of the two Williams FJ44 engines revealed no recorded faults, suggesting they were performing normally. The investigation also looked into the braking system, noting that the parking brake handle was found in the stowed position, though it could not be confirmed if the brake had been left engaged during the takeoff roll. The investigation also noted that the pilot accidentally pulled the auxiliary gear control handle instead of the emergency brake handle during the high-stress event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the reduced acceleration was that the brakes were likely applied, at least partially, during the takeoff run.
- Both brake assemblies had been subjected to extreme temperatures, leading to the disintegration of the right brake and the melting of various components.
- The overheating was likely caused by the brakes being engaged during the takeoff roll or during the preceding taxi to the runway.
- The aircraft's right main landing gear collapsed because the brake assembly failed structurally due to the intense heat.