Cirrus Design Corp SR22 N56FT accident near Houston, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to use the proper taxi procedure, which resulted in a brake system fire.

NTSB analysis

Following a full-stop landing, the pilot taxied the airplane from the runway toward a fixed-base operator (FBO) and then reported to the FBO that the airplane's brakes were hot before getting to his parking spot. Several FBO personnel reported to the control tower operator that the airplane appeared to be on fire. The pilot exited the airplane, and the fire subsequently consumed portions of the fuselage and cockpit.

Data extracted from the airplane revealed that the airplane taxied about 3.7 miles with the engine operating between 1,200 and 1,600 rpm. The airplane's pilot operating handbook warns that, if the 1,000 rpm taxi power limit and proper braking techniques are not used, the brake system may overheat, which could result in a brake fire. It is likely that the pilot's operation of the engine at a higher-than-recommended rpm level during a long taxi resulted in the brake system overheating and a subsequent fire.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA408 for the full record.