What happened
On the third leg of its daily schedule, a Boeing 737-400 operated by Comair departed Port Elizabeth International Airport (FAPE) at 0820Z under instrument flight rules, destined for O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAOR). The flight, identified as BA6234, carried 94 passengers, 6 crew members, and 2 live animals. During the approach to FAOR, the aircraft was cleared to land on runway 03R.
Following a successful touchdown, the crew reported experiencing vibrations within the aircraft. In response, the crew initiated braking and deployed reverse thrust. Shortly after, the aircraft began rolling toward the left side of the runway. The aircraft eventually came to a halt left of the runway centerline, resting on its right main landing gear and the number one engine, with the nose gear lifted into the air. The incident triggered a crash alarm by the air traffic controller, prompting an immediate response from airport rescue and fire fighting services.
Due to the unstable position of the aircraft, passengers and crew were evacuated through the left aft door. The aircraft suffered significant damage, specifically when the number one engine made contact with the runway surface, causing the landing gear to separate from the fuselage. Emergency responders also worked to mitigate smoke and prevent an engine fire caused by the friction of the runway contact.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced intense vibrations immediately following touchdown.
- The aircraft veered left of the runway centerline during the landing roll.
- The impact of the engine with the runway surface caused the separation of the landing gear from the fuselage.