Cape Town — The pilot and crew onboard were praised for their swift response to a FlySafair flight travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town that was forced to turn back following a wheel failure.
A statement by the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) credited the team onboard Flight 212 for the way it handled the emergency as the flight was forced to return to OR Tambo International Airport due to a technical problem.
“The plane, bound for Cape Town, reportedly suffered damage to one of its rear tyres during take-off. This was spotted by ground staff at OR Tambo and the flight crew was alerted. The decision was made to return to Johannesburg,” ACSA said.
Media Statement: FlySafair plane lands safely with a damaged tyre at @ortambo_int. pic.twitter.com/EZSpjxmH9h
— Airports Company SA (@Airports_ZA) April 21, 2024
Despite the plane suffering a a damaged tyre, the pilot was able to turn the plane around and head back to Johannesburg. He landed the plane safely and no injuries were reported onboard.
“We would like to praise the FlySafair pilots and crew for their professional handling of this emergency. Their training and experience ensure that all passengers on board the plan walked away unscathed, said ACSA regional general manager, Jabulani Khambule.
According to IOL, some passengers onboard the flight were quick to praise the pilot and crew for their handling of the high-pressure situation.
“The pilots and cabin crew are amazing. They should be recognised for all their hard work and dedication. Well done flight crew. All flight deck and cabin crew deserve cash bonuses. They are the true face of FlySafair.” Michael Callow said.
“We’ve landed safely back to Johannesburg. The pilot and the entire FlySafair crew did an amazing job at keeping everyone calm and safe.” Romeo Nkoulou Ella said.
Cape Town-bound FlySafair flight FA212 encountered a wheel failure during takeoff from OR Tambo International Airport. 😳
The pilot, reacted quickly and made an emergency landing. No one was injured.👏 pic.twitter.com/tl4ZMp94pf
— TK_Nala (@NalaThokozane) April 21, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
