What happened
On 25 June 2013, a SA Airlink BAE Avro 146 RJ85A, registration ZS-ASW, was conducting a scheduled domestic flight from OR Tambo International Airport (FAOR) to Pietermaritzburg Airport (FAPM). While approximately 52 nautical miles outbound from the JSV VOR, the flight crew received a fire warning indication for the number 4 engine.
In response to the alert, the crew executed the required emergency memory items, which included discharging the engine fire bottle and shutting down the affected engine. Following a risk management assessment, the crew declared an emergency and elected to return to Johannesburg. The aircraft landed safely at OR Tambo International Airport at 1705Z without further incident, and all 44 passengers and 4 crew members remained uninjured.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history and the physical condition of the engine following the landing. Maintenance personnel identified minor scorch marks on the number 4 engine. Upon closer inspection of the engine components, investigators discovered a loose fuel nozzle and a damaged associated gasket. The damage to the gasket was attributed to the effects of high-pressure fuel passing through the area.
Findings
- The flight crew was properly licensed and followed all established emergency procedures as outlined in the aircraft flight manual.
- The aircraft's maintenance records indicated that all required inspections and regulatory standards had been met prior to dispatch.
- The fire warning was triggered by high-pressure fuel escaping through a loose fuel nozzle and a damaged gasket.