Incident Overview
On 22 November 1999, a Fokker F27 Mark 050, registration EI-FKE, operated a public transport flight from Dublin to Bristol Airport. After landing, the aircraft taxied to Stand E4, where normal shutdown checks were completed. The Air Side Safety Unit (ASSU) notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) of a hot wheel on the aircraft, prompting the Airport Fire Service to dispatch Fire 1. The captain was informed by a Redcap that a hot wheel was present on the left side of the aircraft.
Fire and Evacuation
As Fire 1 parked behind the aircraft, a flash fire ignited on the left main landing gear. At that time, some passengers had already begun normal disembarkation. ATC declared a full emergency, and additional fire vehicles responded. The fire was quickly extinguished with the assistance of the fire crews. An emergency evacuation was initiated, although most passengers had already deplaned normally. Four or five passengers jumped from the right side rear door during the evacuation.
Commander's Observations
The captain, holding an Airline Transport Pilot Licence with 4,284 total flying hours (1,615 hours on type), reported that a higher than normal power setting had been used during taxi in. This resulted in excessive use of the wheel brakes, leading to the subsequent overheat and flash fire.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, a 1991 Fokker F27 Mark 050, was powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW-125B turboprop engines. On board were 3 crew and 50 passengers; no injuries were reported. Damage was classified as minor. The commander was 34 years old and had flown 130 hours in the last 90 days, with 32 hours in the last 28 days.