What happened
On the morning of 29 August 2002, a Boeing 747-200, registered as ZS-SAN, was performing an international scheduled flight from Johannesburg International Airport to Sao Paulo, Brazil. During the takeoff roll on Runway 03L, the flight crew experienced a loud bang, indicating an engine stall or surge, originating from either the number 1 or number 2 engine on the left side of the aircraft.
As the aircraft accelerated, the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) in the number 1 engine reached 743°C, significantly exceeding the takeoff limit of 660°C. In response to the engine malfunction and visible smoke coming from the main landing gear, the pilot-in-command initiated an aborted takeoff at approximately 100 knots. The aircraft came to a halt on the runway, allowing fire services to inspect the vehicle. During the deceleration and subsequent stop, several wheel assemblies on the left-hand wing gear and left body gear began deflating because the brakes had overheated.
There were no injuries and no fatalities among the 297 people on board. Following the incident, all passengers and crew disembarked the aircraft without further incident.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the mechanical failures involving both the propulsion system and the landing gear. The investigation focused on the root cause of the number 1 engine's compressor stall and the subsequent thermal issues affecting the braking system. The inquiry analyzed the engine's internal components, specifically the turbine rotor assembly and the fuel pump hydraulic pressure, to determine why the engine failed to maintain stable operation during the takeoff roll.