A FlySafair aircraft bound for Cape Town made an unscheduled return to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday after losing a wheel shortly after take-off.
FlySafair flight loses wheel on take-off
Flight FA212 of FlySafair, which took off at 11:32, encountered a critical issue shortly after leaving the ground when ground staff observed damage to one of the aircraft’s rear wheels.
The observation was immediately communicated to the flight crew, who then decided to turn the aircraft around and head back to Johannesburg.
In a statement, FlySafair marketing head Kirby Gordon explained that to prepare for a safer landing, the plane flew in a holding pattern near Parys to burn off excess fuel.
The aircraft landed safely at approximately 14:00, and emergency response teams were on standby as a precautionary measure.
“Response vehicles were activated to greet the plane as a precautionary measure.
“After landing, the aircraft was inspected by safety and engineering teams on the runway before the plane was brought back to the terminal,” Gordon said.
What are the likely causes of wheel damage on take-off?
Wheel damage during take-off can occur due to several factors including mechanical failure, structural defects, foreign objects on the runway, or improper maintenance.
Tyre damage might be caused by debris on the runway that punctures or slashes the tyre, or by stress fractures in the wheel assembly due to wear and tear.
Since the specific circumstances of this incident are still under investigation by FlySafair’s technical teams and aviation authorities, definitive causes will be identified once the aircraft and runway have been fully examined.
“The nature and cause of the tyre damage are under investigation by the relevant technical teams and authorities, and we await further details from their investigations of the aircraft and runway,” Gordon added.
Is FlySafair safe?
FlySafair is generally regarded as a reliable airline with a solid safety record.
Like all airlines operating in South Africa, it is subject to stringent safety regulations enforced by aviation authorities.
The airline’s swift response to the wheel damage incident, adherence to emergency protocols, and transparent communication are positive indications of its commitment to safety.
Past performance and regulatory compliance suggest that FlySafair maintains a high standard of operational safety, though the results of the current investigation will provide further insights into this specific event.
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