FAA fines United for Jackson Hole runway excursion - Brake wires "cross-connected"

FAA has officially notified United Airlines it will fine the carrier $18,000 for violating regulations related to an Airbus A320 veering off the runway at Jackson Hole, Wyoming in February.

A spokeswoman for the carrier confirms United has received the fine letter, and says no decision has been made about contesting the charges.

The aircraft, operated by United's wholly-owned budget carrier Ted, came to rest 35m (116ft) past the end of the runway and 43m (140ft) right of the runway centerline.

Investigators with the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that wires in the landing gear brake configuration on the A320 were cross connected. Specifically, the board's examination of the left main landing gear brakes revealed the inboard and outboard wheel speed tachometer wires were crossed.

Previously, NTSB has said United's maintenance records indicated both main landing gear units were replaced on the incident aircraft in early February.

The board is also examining a similar United A320 incident that occurred in October 2007.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news