Myanmar Plane Reportedly Suffers Brake Failure, Collides with Airbus A319 and Baggage Cart
According to Myanmar media reports, a frightening ground accident occurred at Yangon International Airport in Myanmar around 9 a.m. local time on April 20th. A Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) ATR72-600 passenger plane reportedly experienced brake system failure during taxiing, lost control of its speed, and collided with a parked Airbus A319 aircraft and a baggage cart, causing damage to both aircraft and the cart.
The ATR-72 aircraft involved was taxiing in preparation for a domestic flight. Reports indicate that after an unusual sound was heard on the taxiway, the aircraft's braking system was suspected to have malfunctioned, and the crew was unable to effectively decelerate.
The aircraft veered off the taxiway, first colliding with the tail of a Myanmar International Airlines (MAI) Airbus A319 parked on the apron. After the initial impact, it continued to move forward, eventually colliding with a nearby baggage cart before coming to a complete stop.
The MAI Airbus A319, which was parked at the time, sustained damage to its tail section. The MNA ATR-72 also suffered visible damage to its nose and landing gear area, and the baggage cart was overturned. Fortunately, the accident did not result in any casualties, and all passengers and crew members evacuated safely.
Following the accident, some flights at Yangon International Airport were affected, and the airport authorities closed and cleared the relevant area. The Myanmar Civil Aviation Department has launched an investigation, focusing on whether there was a mechanical failure in the ATR-72's braking system and whether the crew's procedures in the emergency situation complied with regulations.
It is understood that the ATR 72 series is a turboprop regional passenger aircraft jointly developed by ATR of France and Alenia of Italy. It is operated by airlines in many countries around the world and has previously been involved in ground accidents caused by mechanical failures.