SAIPAN — STAR Marianas Air said a brake overheat sparked a fire on the wheel covering of one of its aircraft on the ground at Tinian, and that all passengers and crew were safe with no injuries.
The airline said one of its single-engine Cherokee Six aircraft experienced a brake overheat during taxi while on the ground earlier today. The overheat caused a fire on the fiberglass wheel covering, which produced the smoke seen in photos circulating on social media.
STAR Marianas said the incident was strictly a ground event, that all passengers and crew were safe, and that there were no injuries. The fire was quickly contained, and the airline credited Commonwealth Ports Authority first responders for their immediate help on the scene.
The aircraft has been removed from service and secured while the airline’s maintenance team investigates the cause of the brake overheat. STAR Marianas said safety remains its highest priority and thanked first responders and passengers.