An A320 Captain experienced an auto brake fault on landing although auto brakes were not selected. Upon arrival at the gate two flat tires were discovered.

Date: 2011-02 · Aircraft: A320 · Phase: landing

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical

Synopsis

An A320 Captain experienced an auto brake fault on landing although auto brakes were not selected. Upon arrival at the gate two flat tires were discovered.

Narrative

We had an auto brakes fault upon landing but auto brakes were not selected. After a normal approach and very smooth touchdown by my First Officer; I thought he got on the brakes very quickly. I was about to say something when we got an ECAM BRAKES AUTO BRK FAULT; shortly followed by another ECAM BRAKES SYS 2 FAULT; the rest of the rollout was normal; albeit with some vibration that disappeared as we slowed down. I took control of the aircraft; further slowed and felt that braking and turning seemed normal so I carefully made the second high speed turn-off and proceeded slowly to the ramp. While taxiing; I continued to evaluate the brakes and steering; steering was completely normal and the brakes seemed spongy; but had no problem slowing and stopping the aircraft. Brake temperatures were normal. Because of the ECAM's and sponginess; I had my First Officer request a tow-in to the gate. (As we entered the ramp; I noticed that the brake temps on two and four were increasing normally; but one and three were cold.) The tug driver advised we had two blown tires; number one and three mains. Maintenance met us and I advised the Mechanic of the sequence of events. The maintenance post flight report showed the ECAM's and a series of system failures; apparently it was the number one wheel tachometer that failed as that was replaced overnight (along with the tires) and the airplane was returned to service.

NASA callback

This event was the first of two brake failure events the reporter experienced in one month. The second event did not result in any blown tires.

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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.