B757-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Aircraft; Human Factors
When pulling up in line; Number 3 for TO; I applied brakes to avoid hitting aircraft ahead. The brakes provided no braking action; I assumed antiskid had released the brakes. As we were gaining on another aircraft with an eventual aircraft strike a distinct possibility; I continued to apply brakes while reaching for the throttles (to use reverse thrust). The antiskid reengaged the brakes causing an abrupt and large braking action and resulting in a significant jolt. I got out of line; checked for passenger and FA injuries. No passenger injuries. FA Number 1 OK. FA Number 2 OK. FA Number 3 felt a little ache in the neck. FA Number 4 had the coffee spill on the floor; a small amount on her leg. FAs cleaned up the coffee and all 4 reported able to fly and continue the trip. I repeatedly checked the brakes with normal response and determined it was a momentary anomaly. We continued normally.
While taxiing out to the runway; we were proceeding in sequence approaching Taxiway Zulu. While I was clearing the area ahead and to the side of our aircraft; our aircraft suddenly came to an abrupt stop. After the Captain called back to see if everyone was ok; I called Ground Control to get out of the sequence to the runway so we could further assess the situation prior to takeoff. Once we found out that everyone was ok in the cabin; and ready for departure; I called Ground Control so we could be resequenced for takeoff.
B757 flight crew experiences a momentary brake failure while taxiing for takeoff; eventually resulting in an abrupt stop. After checking the cabin and assessing the brakes; the crew elects to depart.