What is the procedure if a brake system fails during tow?

• A. Continue towing to the destination and address the brake issue after arrival.
• B. Release the tow bar to test manual braking while moving.
• C. Ignore the brake failure and proceed at normal speed.
• D. Stop, secure the aircraft, activate parking brake if possible, and notify maintenance and operations per emergency procedures.

Answer: (D)

When brake system failure unfolds during tow, the priority is to bring the operation to a controlled halt and prevent any movement that could endanger people or equipment. The safest response is to stop immediately, secure the aircraft so it cannot roll, and, if possible, engage the parking brake to lock the wheels. After securing, notify maintenance and operations and follow the established emergency procedures so the issue is diagnosed and repaired before any further movement is attempted. This approach minimizes risk of runaway movement, damage to the tow gear or aircraft, and ensures proper oversight and repair coordination.

Continuing the tow, testing manual braking while moving, or ignoring the failure would neglect the obvious safety hazard and could lead to loss of control or a collision.