History of Flight
On 18 June 2008, a Boeing 737-236A, registration ZS-OKD, operated by Comair Ltd as flight BA6203, departed from OR Tambo International Airport (FAJS) to Durban International Airport (FADN). The flight was delayed due to adverse weather in the Durban area and departed at approximately 08:03Z. The takeoff, climb, cruise, and most of the descent were uneventful. The approach was stable with variable winds; the runway was sighted at approximately 1000 feet AGL. Between 150 and 50 feet AGL, heavy rain reduced visibility. The aircraft was slightly below the glide slope and right of the localizer. The crew attempted to correct by increasing engine power, resulting in a higher glide slope and increased airspeed. During the flare, the aircraft floated and touched down deeply. After touchdown, the aircraft veered right. Left rudder input and braking had no effect. Differential reverse thrust also had no effect. The aircraft groundlooped through approximately 200° to the right and skidded partly off the runway into soft mud, causing the left main wheels to sink. The engines were shut down, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally through door 1R.
Injuries
No injuries were reported among the 2 flight crew, 4 cabin crew, and 87 passengers.
Damage to Aircraft
The left-hand main landing gear door, main landing gear wheels, and left-hand engine sustained damage. Limited damage to the left wing area was noted.
Personnel Information
The captain, aged 39, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence with 7195.7 total flying hours, including 1702 hours on type. The first officer, aged 41, held a Commercial Pilot Licence with 5213.3 total flying hours, including 794.7 hours on type. Both were contract pilots to relieve roster constraints.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Boeing 737-236A, serial number 21803, manufactured in 1980. It had 53791.57 total airframe hours and 40995 cycles at the time of the incident. Both engines were Pratt & Whitney JT8-17.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the incident, weather at Durban International Airport was cloudy with hard rain. The incident occurred during daylight conditions with heavy rain prevailing.
Probable Cause
The incident was attributed to the incorrect landing technique used by the flight crew, resulting in the aircraft landing deeply and a subsequent ground loop due to water accumulation on the runway. Contributory: Poor management or non-recognition of threats which affected the safe completion of the flight.