If plane brakes fail, the aircraft can experience significant problems during landing or taxiing, potentially leading to serious incidents.
Consequences of Brake Failure
Brake failure can result in several dangerous situations:
- Runway Excursion: This includes both:
- Runway Overrun: The aircraft is unable to stop within the length of the runway, continuing past the end.
- Runway Veer-off: The aircraft veers off the side of the runway due to loss of directional control.
- Uncommanded Ground Movements: The aircraft might start moving on its own, possibly during taxi, leading to an out-of-control situation.
- Taxiway Excursion: The aircraft veers off the taxiway due to loss of braking control.
- Collisions: An aircraft without effective brakes could collide with:
- Other aircraft on the ground.
- Ground vehicles or equipment.
- Objects near the runway or taxiway, such as buildings or fences.
These issues can occur because, as the reference indicates, "Brake failure and subsequent poor deceleration or degraded directional control in turn could result in: Runway excursion (both overrun and veer-off) Uncommanded aircraft ground movements / taxiway excursion. Collision with objects on the ground/other aircraft."
Factors Contributing to Brake Failure
While not mentioned in the provided reference, it's important to understand that brake failure can result from:
- Mechanical Issues:
- Worn brake pads or discs.
- Hydraulic system failures.
- Problems with the braking control system.
- Environmental Conditions:
- Extreme temperatures affecting the braking components.
- Contaminated runway surface.
- Pilot Error:
- Improper braking techniques.
- Overheating of the brakes.
Mitigation Strategies
While the reference focuses on the consequences, airlines and manufacturers implement various measures to minimize brake failures:
- Regular Maintenance: Scheduled checks and replacements of brake components.
- Redundancy: Multiple braking systems are in place.
- Pilot Training: Pilots are trained in emergency procedures to manage brake failures.
- Anti-skid Systems: These systems prevent wheel lock-up.
- Emergency Braking: Includes using reverse thrust and other techniques to slow down the plane.
Summary of Potential Outcomes
| Outcome | Description |
|---|---|
| Runway Overrun | Aircraft does not stop before the end of the runway. |
| Runway Veer-off | Aircraft veers off the side of the runway due to loss of directional control during braking. |
| Uncommanded Ground Movement/Taxiway Excursion | Aircraft begins moving without pilot command or goes off course during taxiing. |
| Ground Collision | Aircraft collides with other aircraft, ground equipment, or obstacles due to ineffective braking. |
