Dash 8 Series Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General Maintenance Action; General Declared Emergency; General Evacuated; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Procedure; Human Factors; Aircraft
Upon arrival at the Gate in ZZZ1; during normal deplaning; I discovered that a Left brake was creating smoke (there was no flames observed). I immediately notifed my Crew and ordered an emergency evacuation of the remaining passengers through the Main Cabin Door (Normal Expeditious Deplaning). I instructed the First Officer to contact mainline cOMPANYOperations and request that the Fire Department show up at the scene with the fire fighting equipment. Performed the Action Items for emergency evacuation. All passengers and crew deplaned without an incident or injury. I notified Company Dispatch and Maintenance of this issue. Upon Maintenance inspection; it was determined that the Brake Wear Indicator pin was stuck in the position where it was indicating that brake pad wear was within acceptable limits; but in actuality it was severly worn down. During the preflight inspection in ZZZ; the First Officer observed the Brake Wear Indicator in the appropriate position and assumed and relied; based on that indication; that the brake pad was within acceptable limits.
During normal deplaning of a DHC-8 aircraft; a Captain notices the left brake was creating smoke; resulting in an emergency evacuation of remaining passengers. Maintenance inspection determined the Brake Wear Indicator Pin was stuck and had been indicating the brake was within acceptable wear limits; even though the brake had exceeded operational wear.