History of Flight
On 27 October 2024, a Boeing 737-800 (registration ZS-ZWY) operated by Safair departed Cape Town International Airport (FACT) as scheduled passenger flight SFR313 to Lanseria International Airport (FALA). The flight was conducted under Part 121 regulations. Six crew members and 184 passengers were on board. The aircraft's technical logbook had no recorded defects prior to departure. The pilot-in-command served as pilot monitoring and the first officer as pilot flying.
The flight landed normally on Runway 07 at FALA. During taxi to the parking bay, the crew observed that a higher-than-usual low-pressure turbine and compressor spool (N1) thrust setting was necessary to maintain movement, suggesting possible resistance.
Post-Flight Inspection and Damage
After the aircraft was parked, an aircraft maintenance engineer performed a transit check. He noted smoke coming from the Number 4 main wheel assembly (right side) and that the wheel was positioned at an unusual angle. The main wheel assembly was removed, revealing a broken inner hub. The brake assembly was also removed for inspection. Metal deposit was observed on the right main wheel assembly. No persons were injured. The aircraft sustained minor damage.
Investigation Status
The South African Civil Aviation Authority's Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) was notified of the occurrence on 4 November 2024 and classified it as a serious incident. An investigator-in-charge was appointed. Notifications were sent to the State of Registry, operator, and manufacturer. The investigation is ongoing. This preliminary report was published on 17 December 2024.