Incident Overview
On 11 April 2002, at 1906Z, an Airbus A300-600 (registration SU-GAV) was conducting an international scheduled passenger flight from Johannesburg International Aerodrome (FAJS) to Cairo International Aerodrome. The aircraft was taking off on Runway 03L when, at rotation speed (VR), the right-hand engine (No. 2) experienced a compressor surge. The pilot-in-command decided to abort the takeoff and applied maximum braking. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway. Due to the high-energy brake application, several tyres failed and a brake unit separated from the axle. A brake fire erupted but was extinguished by fire services within a few minutes.
Evacuation and Injuries
All passengers and crew were evacuated via the escape slides on the left-hand side of the aircraft. No injuries were reported among the 4 crew members, 11 cabin crew, and 146 passengers.
Probable Cause
The take-off was aborted at rotation speed (VR) and a high-energy stop executed after the right-hand engine (No. 2) suffered a compressor surge. The compressor surge was due to the wear condition of the High Pressure Compressor inner rear case rear hook and stator rub strips which resulted in open tip clearance of the compressor blades of the rear compressor stages, reducing the surge margin of the engine. A contributing factor to this incident was considered to be the decision of the pilot to abort the take-off after the V1 speed was attained.