Incident Overview
On 17 November 2013, at approximately 0650Z, a Boeing 767-300 operated by Condor Flugdienst GmbH (registration D-ABUK) was on a commercial flight from Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Cape Town International Airport (FACT). During the approach phase, a part broke and separated from the aircraft, falling to the ground at 6 Gen. E.R. Snyman Close, Welgelegen, Cape Town.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft departed normally from FRA at 1949Z on 16 November 2013 and landed normally at FACT at 0711Z on 17 November 2013. At approximately 0645Z, the owner of a house located 14 km from FACT discovered a spring in his garden. Prior to finding the spring, he heard a loud sound and went outside to investigate. The spring had broken off from its attachment point on the aircraft during approach, when the landing gear was extended. The aircraft sustained minor damage, and there were no injuries among the 2 pilots, 8 crew, and 261 passengers.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the incident, wind direction was 161˚, wind speed was 13 kts, visibility was clear, temperature was 14°C, dew point was 0°C, and cloud cover was few/scattered/broken with a cloud base of 2500 ft.
Probable Cause
Metal fatigue
Conclusion
The incident resulted in no fatalities or injuries, and only minor damage to the aircraft. The separation of the spring was attributed to metal fatigue.