What happened
On March 1, 2004, a Robin DR 400-140 B, registration F-GBVC, was taxiing toward the Delta holding point for departure from runway 05 at Bordeaux Mérignac airport. The aircraft, operated by a flying club, had arrived from Cognac earlier that morning and was following another aircraft at a distance of approximately 200 meters. During the taxi, the aircraft was subject to a right tailwind.
As the aircraft approached the holding point, the pilot observed what appeared to be smoke escaping from beneath the left wing. While executing a right turn, the pilot applied the parking brake to perform pre-takeoff checks, at which point an intense fire erupted at the left main landing gear. The pilot immediately notified air traffic control, shut down the engine and electrical power, and successfully evacuated all three occupants. Airport fire services arrived and quickly contained the blaze, preventing it from consuming the entire aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the physical evidence found within the wreckage and the sequence of events during the taxi phase. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the left wing was destroyed by the fire and the left main landing gear was heavily damaged. Investigators noted bluish discoloration on the chrome portion of the landing gear strut and on the brake disc, indicating a period of intense, prolonged heating.
Further inspection of the braking system showed that the flexible brake line was charred and the threading of the fitting on the brake caliper had been torn away. The brake pads were found in contact with the disc, and the caliper and piston assembly were completely blackened by the fire. The aircraft had flown only 26 hours since its last scheduled brake inspection.
Findings
- The fire originated in the left main landing gear assembly.
- The aircraft was taxiing with a tailwind component.
- The passenger noted a