A321 flight crew reported they were unable to continue the taxi out when their brakes locked for unknown reasons. Passengers were deplaned and bussed to the terminal.
Synopsis
A321 flight crew reported they were unable to continue the taxi out when their brakes locked for unknown reasons. Passengers were deplaned and bussed to the terminal.
Narrative
During taxi out to runway XXR the crew was instructed to follow an aircraft proceeding south on taxiway 1. The aircraft was #4 in a line of 4 aircraft holding short of taxiway 2. The line started to move and our instructions from ground were to follow the aircraft in front of us. When it was time to move; I released the parking brake and applied a small amount of thrust to get the aircraft moving. The aircraft did not move. I tried application of the parking brake; cycling it on and off several times; applying thrust each time the brake was off; with the same result. Ground Control queried why we weren't moving and we replied that our brakes were stuck on. At that point; Ground decided to close that section of taxiway 1 and sent several airport utility vehicles out to block the taxiway. I decided to call ZZZ Maintenance on the radio to find out if they had any suggestions on how to release the stuck brake. I tried everything that they suggested; all with the same result. After 30 minutes a maintenance crew arrived at the aircraft and the lead mechanic called me on his cell phone. We tried several different approaches for releasing the pressure on the seized brake; but none were successful. After all efforts were exhausted; we decided to pull airstairs out to the aircraft and bus the passengers back to the terminal. I did make several announcements to the passengers during our delay and the First Officer kept track of our time away from the gate to avoid any DOT violations. The flight attendants did a wonderful job of keeping our passengers comfortable; giving them water; and allowing use of the lavatories. Cause: Mechanical failure. None.
Second reporter narrative
First leg of the day; no issues with crewrest; preflight and start normal. Originally given XYL in CPDLC so started both engines. Ground switched to XXR on initial taxi call. Taxiway 3 to 1 to 4; to 2 to follow an aircraft; complied with instructions made RW change briefed close out and holding short of taxiway 2; 3rd in line to turn on to taxiway 2. Parking Brake was set by Captain. Flight control check completed while waiting. Sat in line for about 3-5 mins when the aircraft in front of us and we were cleared to continue taxi on to taxiway 2. Captain released brake applied power but no movement. After a couple tries we notified ATC of our issue and advised we would keep them posted. Contacted local MX (Maintenance) via radio and eventual Maintenance Control via Captains cell phone. Multiple suggestion attempted and did not improve our situation aircraft would not move. We continually updated FAs (Flight Attendants); passengers; ZZZ ops; and ATC. After about 45 mins we opened the tarmac delay app to ensure all requirements were met. After about an hour and a half the plane was deplaned on the taxiway via air stairs and passengers were bussed to the terminal. Shutdown and returned to terminal after all passengers had left.Cause: Maintenance.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.