Incident Overview
A Comair Boeing 737-400 operating flight BA6234 experienced a landing gear failure during landing on runway 03R at O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAOR). The aircraft came to rest with its nose landing gear elevated, supported by the right main landing gear and the number one engine. The crew reported vibrations after touchdown, followed by brake application and reverse thrust deployment. The crash alarm was activated by the air traffic controller, and Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) personnel responded promptly, preventing an engine fire. All occupants disembarked via the left aft door due to the aircraft's attitude.
Flight Details
The flight was the third leg of the day, following earlier sectors from King Shaka International Airport to O.R. Tambo and from O.R. Tambo to Port Elizabeth. The first officer was the flying pilot for the accident leg. The aircraft departed Port Elizabeth at 0820Z on an instrument flight plan. On board were six crew members, 94 passengers, and two live animals. The approach was cleared for landing on runway 03R in daylight meteorological conditions.
Accident Sequence
According to crew statements, a few seconds after a successful touchdown, vibrations were felt. The aircraft rolled slightly left and came to a stop left of the runway centerline, resting on its right main landing gear and the number one engine. The number one engine scraped along the runway after the landing gear detached from the fuselage. Smoke was observed from runway contact, and ARFF personnel prevented a fire. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified the probable cause as an unstable approach, where the aircraft was flared too high with high forward speed resulting in a low sink rate. During touchdown, the left landing gear experienced excessive vibration and failed due to shimmy events. Specific findings included: the flare was initiated at 65 feet instead of the recommended 20 feet per flight data recorder data; the shimmy damper failed a post-accident lab test with fluid found in the thermal relief valve; significant wear was found on the upper torsion link bushing and flange; and a tailwind component during landing prolonged the landing distance.