What happened
On 05 August 2012, a T6-653 flight operated by 1 Time airline departed King Shaka, La Mercy (FALE) International Airport bound for Cape Town International (FACT). The MD-83, registration ZS-OPZ, was carrying 88 people, including the crew and 82 passengers. Shortly after takeoff, the crew reported hearing a loud bang, which was immediately followed by the failure of one engine.
In response to the emergency, the flight crew declared a MAYDAY to King Shaka air traffic control. The aircraft was instructed to perform an air turn-back to land on runway 06. The crew successfully executed the return, landing approximately 21 minutes after the initial departure. Following the landing, the aircraft taxied to the apron, where passengers were permitted to disembark once the engines had been shut down. There were 0 injuries and 0 fatalities reported during the incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the engine malfunction and the subsequent emergency procedures. The investigation focused on the mechanical sequence of events that led to the audible bang and the loss of power in the engine. The inquiry confirmed that the flight was being conducted under the appropriate commercial regulations and that the operator held a valid Air Operating Certificate at the time of the occurrence.