STAR Marianas Air is investigating a minor brake‑overheat incident that occurred Monday morning on Tinian after a Cherokee Six aircraft produced smoke while taxiing on the ground, the airline said.
Images showing smoke near the landing gear circulated on social media, prompting the company to issue a public statement. STAR Marianas Air President Shaun Christian said the single‑engine aircraft experienced a brake overheat that ignited a small fire on the fiberglass wheel covering, creating the visible smoke.
“This was strictly a ground incident. All passengers and crew are entirely safe, and there were zero injuries,” Christian said.
The fire was quickly contained with assistance from Commonwealth Ports Authority first responders, who were already on scene and responded immediately. The aircraft has been removed from service and secured while maintenance crews conduct a full inspection to determine the cause of the overheat.
“Safety remains the absolute highest priority at STAR Marianas Air,” Christian said, adding that the airline appreciates the swift response from CPA personnel and the patience of passengers.
Flight operations on Tinian continued without disruption.
