B787 flight crew reported after landing while waiting for their gate; brake temperatures increased rapidly. Pilot of another aircraft informed B787 crew a tire was on fire. Airport responders extinguished the flames; the aircraft was towed to the gate.
Synopsis
B787 flight crew reported after landing while waiting for their gate; brake temperatures increased rapidly. Pilot of another aircraft informed B787 crew a tire was on fire. Airport responders extinguished the flames; the aircraft was towed to the gate.
Narrative
An uneventful approach and landing was flown to Runway XXL at ZZZ. Max autobrakes were selected with max reverse. Auto brakes were released at approximately 53 kts. before exiting at [Taxiway] 1. Ground directed a right turn on to 2 hold short of XXR at 3. We were cleared to cross without stopping the aircraft. Taxied onto 4 after crossing and set parking brake short of 5 waiting on marshaller into [gate] XXX. During the wait; right brake temps began to climb rapidly. Left side was normal at 2.5. Hot Brake EICAS came on and ECL (electronic checklist) was initiated. The 2 front tires peaked at 7.0-7.2 the rear tires were in the 5 and 6 range. Halfway through the checklist taxiing aircraft reported smoke and possible flames coming from the right main truck. We called for Fire Rescue immediately. I contacted the purser and advised him of the situation and asked if there was any smoke; fumes or indication of fire in the cabin. He replied negative. As Rescue was approaching we felt a jerk and observed the left rear tire pressure go to 0. Rescue arrived and applied product to the right main truck extinguishing the flames. I made a PA to the passengers as the trucks approached. I only mentioned a problem with the gear and smoke. Maintenance arrived and determined the aircraft could be towed into the gate. This was accomplished via the ECL checklist and the aircraft was deplaned without incident. A tech ops supervisor advised that the left rear tire tread on the right truck had separated and pieces were found lodged in the trailing edge flap area with some damage observed. I debriefed police; tech ops and chief pilot who had the Dispatcher with him.
Second reporter narrative
After a normal landing to ZZZ Runway XXL we taxied to entrance of [Taxiway] 5. We were holding short of the ramp entrance waiting for ground service agents to be in position when we received an EICAS message brake temp. We started the brake temp checklist when another aircraft on ground stated there was a fire on our right main gear. We immediately requested crash fire rescue. I began to search for an appropriate checklist for a brake fire. While Captain and Relief Pilot informed the cabin crew and passengers of the situation and requested the status of the cabin. CFR (Crash Fire Rescue) asked for sobs (souls on board) and fuel onboard. The CFR then approached the aircraft. As they arrived the left inboard tire fuse plug blew. The CFR requested the engines be shut down and stated there was a small fire and that they were applying retardant. The fire was put out. The Captain and Relief Pilot informed Maintenance and operations of the of the aircraft status. Maintenance then approached the aircraft to inspect the tires to see if the aircraft could be towed to the gate. Maintenance found the tire shredded and removed the tire remnants so the aircraft could be towed. We completed the tow in checklist and were towed in to the gate. No passengers were injured and the Captain kept them informed.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.