Date: 10th December 2024
Location: Brisbane Airport, Queensland, Australia
Aircraft: Embraer ERJ-190, registration VH-XVS
Operator: Qantas Airways
Flight Number: QF-1929
Route: Brisbane, QL to Adelaide, SA
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 10th December 2024, Qantas flight QF-1929, an Embraer ERJ-190 en route from Brisbane to Adelaide, experienced an issue with its landing gear brakes. While cruising at FL360 approximately 180nm southwest of Brisbane, the crew received an indication that the brakes were engaged mid-flight. As a precaution, the flight crew decided to return to Brisbane. Passengers were briefed for an emergency landing and instructed to brace. The aircraft landed safely on Brisbane’s runway 01R approximately 40 minutes after the issue was reported.
A replacement aircraft completed the journey to Adelaide with a delay of approximately five hours. The occurrence aircraft returned to service shortly after landing.
Aircraft Information
• Type: Embraer ERJ-190
• Registration: VH-XVS
• Role: Domestic Passenger Service
The Embraer ERJ-190 is a twin-engine regional jet designed for short- to medium-haul routes. It is equipped with advanced brake-by-wire systems that integrate with the aircraft’s landing gear and flight controls to ensure safe operations.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• While cruising at FL360, the crew received an indication that the aircraft’s brakes were engaged.
• The crew assessed the situation and determined the safest course of action was to return to Brisbane.
2. Emergency Precautions:
• Passengers were briefed about the situation, and emergency landing procedures were initiated.
• Cabin crew instructed passengers to brace for landing as a precaution.
3. Landing and Inspection:
• The aircraft performed a safe landing on Brisbane’s runway 01R.
• After landing, the aircraft was inspected by maintenance teams, and no immediate issues were reported.
4. Replacement Aircraft:
• A replacement Embraer ERJ-190 (VH-UYW) was dispatched to complete the flight to Adelaide.
Initial Findings
• Brake Indication System:
• The brake-by-wire system indicated the brakes were engaged, even though the aircraft was in flight.
• This may have been caused by a sensor malfunction, wiring fault, or software issue.
• Landing Gear and Brake Components:
• A visual inspection post-landing revealed no physical damage to the landing gear or brake assemblies.
• Passenger Safety:
• The precautionary measures ensured passenger safety despite the abnormal indication.
Safety Risks
1. Brake System Malfunction:
• If the brakes had inadvertently engaged mid-flight, it could have caused control issues or increased wear on the landing gear.
2. Crew Workload:
• Addressing the warning added to the crew’s workload during a critical phase of flight.
3. Passenger Distress:
• Emergency procedures and brace commands, while precautionary, can cause significant passenger anxiety.
Recommendations
1. Inspection of Brake Sensors:
• Conduct a thorough check of the brake indication system, including sensors and associated wiring.
2. Software Update:
• Ensure the latest software is installed in the brake-by-wire system to address potential glitches.
3. Crew Training:
• Reinforce training for managing abnormal brake indications and emergency communication with passengers.
4. System Monitoring:
• Introduce enhanced real-time monitoring tools to provide additional diagnostics for brake systems during flight.
Safety Lessons
This incident highlights the importance of robust systems to detect and manage abnormalities in critical systems such as landing gear and brakes. Clear communication, adherence to emergency protocols, and thorough inspections are vital to ensuring passenger safety and operational reliability.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts available at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
