Flight FA212 from Johannesburg to Cape Town had to perform an emergency landing after its wheel was damaged during take-off on Sunday.
Also read: CT launches direct flight to London Gatwick amid increased demand
As per a company statement, FlySafair’s aircraft left OR Tambo International Airport on schedule at 11:32am. However, TimesLive reports that ground staff reported witnessing apparent damage to one of the back wheels on the aircraft.
Unleash your inner explorer with these incredible car deals, all priced under R100 000. Find car listings here.
‘The crew were alerted to the observation and the decision was taken to return to Johannesburg,’ says Kirby Gordon, FlySafair spokesperson.
‘Flight FA212 adjusted course back for Johannesburg and entered a holding pattern near Parys to burn off some fuel to lighten the aircraft for landing. This is standard procedure when there is no urgency to land, as it’s safer to land with a lighter fuel load, and modern Boeing 737 aircraft do not have the facility to dump fuel.’
‘Before landing, the aircraft made a low pass over OR Tambo so that safety and technical teams could inspect the landing gear visually before the final landing.’
WATCH: @FlySafair aircraft making a safe landing after it was found to have a faulty wheel shortly after take off from OR Tambo International Airport. The flight was destined for CT but had to reroute, circling around to lessen fuel before landing again at ORTIA. @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/WFbnMzbfNg
— Naledi (@Naledi_Mailula) April 21, 2024
‘The aircraft passed overhead at about 1:20pm, and observers confirmed that one of the four rear wheels had come adrift during the take-off roll. The wheel affected was one of the two attached to the left rear landing strut,’ Gordon told TimesLive, adding that the aircraft was designed to be able to land with the faulty tyre.’
‘The aircraft proceeded into a second holding pattern over Centurion to burn away remaining fuel before their final landing approach.’
The aircraft landed two-and-a-half hours after take-off at OR Tambo, where response vehicles greeted it as a precautionary measure.
— Vk Ty (@VkTy9) April 21, 2024
‘After landing, the aircraft was inspected by safety and engineering teams on the runway before the plane was brought back to the terminal.’
Passengers were able to continue their journey to Cape Town via a backup aircraft.
Acsa regional general manager, Jabulani Khambule, praised the FlySafair pilots and crew for their professional handling of the emergency. ‘Their training and experience ensure that all passengers on board the plane walked away unscathed.’
This is not the first time that FlySafair conducted a successful emergency landing.
The low-cost airline launched an investigation two years ago after two flights were diverted, IOL reports.
On both occasions, FlySafair stated that the aircraft operating flight FA143 departed King Phalo Airport in East London for Cape Town International Airport.
However, it had to be diverted to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha.
During both flights, the captain was alerted to a signal error from a small part of the wing after takeoff. Following safety protocol, they landed in Gqeberha instead of continuing to Cape Town.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city at half the price? Get exclusive offers here.
Also read:
Picture:Mlungisi Louw / Gallo Images
Boutique Travel VC raises investment cap from $1.5M to $10M to lead rounds and support portfolio companies through growth Travel...
Read moreDetails
