History of Flight
On Monday morning, 7 March 2022, at approximately 0412Z, a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with registration ZS-ZWB departed Lanseria International Airport (FALA) on a domestic scheduled flight (MN451) to Cape Town International Airport (FACT). The flight crew comprised two pilots, four cabin crew members, and 135 passengers. The flight was conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR) by day, in accordance with Part 121 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011.
While climbing through flight level (FL) 210 to the assigned cruise altitude, the crew heard a loud bang originating from the No.1 engine. The first officer, who was the pilot monitoring, determined that the No.1 engine had failed. The flight crew initiated an emergency descent and diverted to O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAOR). The aircraft landed safely on a single engine approximately 20 minutes after the engine failed. All occupants were uninjured.
Damage to Aircraft
Substantial damage was sustained by the No.1 engine and the left leading edge horizontal stabiliser.
Investigation
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) was notified and classified the occurrence as a serious incident. An investigator-in-charge was appointed. Notifications were sent to the State of Registry, Operator, Design and Manufacturer. The State of Design and Manufacturer appointed an accredited representative and advisor.
A borescope inspection of the failed engine revealed internal discolouration and failure of the hot section and its components. Further investigation and testing could not be conducted because the operator, Comair Limited, was in the process of liquidation. On 14 June 2022, the South Gauteng High Court issued a certificate of appointment to liquidators. The manufacturer indicated that a teardown inspection could proceed only if a new owner agreed to support the investigation.
Conclusion
The crew conducted an emergency landing at FAOR due to an in-flight engine failure. The borescope inspection showed internal discolouration and failure of the hot section. The cause of the engine failure could not be determined because the operator was in liquidation. The investigation will be reopened once a new owner takes over operation.