LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The National Transportation Safety Board discovered a fault in the aircraft’s cooling unit minutes before noticing an odd chemical smell.
On Oct. 5, Frontier Flight 1326 was traveling from San Diego when it experienced a brake fire as it landed at Harry Reid International Airport.
NTSB reported that the damages caused to the landing gear, tires, wheels, and brakes were deemed non-substantial due to the Code of Federal Regulation.
The preliminary investigation details the events leading up to the incident.
The pilots became aware of a chemical-like odor and notified the flight deck. Crew members noted the smell grew stronger and turned into what they believed was similar to burning rubber or plastic.
NTSB said oxygen masks were dropped for passengers, and the captain referred to the smoke and fumes checklist.
At 2:51 p.m., the first officer pilot called for an emergency landing in Las Vegas.
The investigation detailed that, due to the incident’s status, the checklist recommended the pilots perform an electrical emergency configuration.
As the events were recalled, the configuration led to several other issues with their display screens, radio, and communication with traffic air control.
The captain said that when they touched down at 3:10 p.m. and pulled the brake lever, the functions did not respond accordingly, “had no auto brakes and felt like no anti-skid.”
NTSB reported that a witness shared they heard two loud bangs three seconds after the plane touched down. The witness said, “Then there was a large screen of smoke behind them and fire around the tires.”
The report explained that the first responders initially told the pilots it was a right-engine fire. Crew members expressed their surprise at learning this information.
They began preparing for an emergency evacuation of the plane. However, shortly after, first responders notified the crew that there was no longer a threat.
Everyone then deplaned using the stairs, said NTSB.
The crew later described the incident as “hectic and stressful.”
According to the report, all seven crewmembers and 190 passengers were not injured.
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