Probable cause
A fire that originated in the right main landing gear brake assembly for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after a series of full stop landings he was holding short of a runway when he smelled a burning odor, and air traffic control tower personnel observed a fire on the right main landing gear assembly. The pilot and passengers evacuated the airplane, and the fire was subsequently extinguished by airport fire rescue personnel. Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the right wing. Disassembly and examination of the right brake and wheel revealed extensive fire damage to the assembly, which precluded the ability to determine the reason for the fire.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA211 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 24, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Burlington, Vermont
- Nearest airport
- Burlington Intl (BTV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32-260
- N-number
- N26DC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.