What happened
On the morning of 21 April 2024, a FlySafair Boeing 737-800, registered ZS-FGE, was performing a scheduled commercial flight from O.R. Tambo International Aerodrome (FAOR) to Cape Town International Aerodrome (FACT). During the rotation phase of takeoff, the left outer (No.1) mainwheel separated from its axle.
Following the separation, the flight crew entered a holding pattern to reduce the aircraft's weight by burning fuel. After approximately two hours and 17 minutes of flight time, the aircraft returned to O.R. Tambo International Aerodrome for an emergency landing on Runway 21R. While the landing itself was completed without incident, the left inner (No. 2) mainwheel tyre burst approximately 30 metres before the aircraft came to a complete stop on the runway. There were no injuries to the 178 passengers or the six crew members on board.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft components to identify the source of the mechanical failure. The investigation focused on a fractured inboard wheel hub (Part Number 2615480, Serial Number B-H0527) from the left-side main gear outboard wheel assembly.
Metallurgical analysis was conducted on the fractured hub to determine the specific mode of failure. Additionally, specialist reports were reviewed regarding the condition of both the inboard and outboard bearings of the No.1 left wheel. The investigation is ongoing, with findings pending a final review of the manufacturer's data regarding the bearings.