What happened
On April 25, 2006, at 15:15 UTC, a Cessna 172 S, registration OK-COK, was taxiing on taxiway Charlie at Prague Ruzyně Airport (LKPR). The aircraft was moving from the South apron toward the takeoff position. During the taxi sequence, airport personnel observed smoke and flames emanating from the aircraft's left main landing gear.
In response to the fire, the airport's Air Traffic Services (ATS) declared an aircraft accident emergency. The pilot was ordered to stop the aircraft immediately. Firefighting crews from the Fire Rescue Service (HZS) arrived at the scene and successfully extinguished the fire.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the physical condition of the aircraft and the circumstances of the taxi. The inspection revealed thermal damage to the main landing gear components. Specifically, the brake pads showed signs of heat exposure, and the aerodynamic wheel fairings had been forcibly removed during firefighting efforts and suffered thermal degradation. The tires were charred on the inner side adjacent to the brake, though they remained intact. The brake assembly components on both the left and right sides were affected by the heat, while the nose gear remained undamaged.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the malfunction of the parking brake, which failed to release properly after being disengaged.
- The continuous drag caused by the partially engaged brake during a long taxi distance of approximately 2.8 km led to excessive heat buildup.
- There were no injuries to the pilot or any other persons.
- The weather conditions were suitable for the operation, and the airport infrastructure did not contribute to the event.