Date: 21st November 2024
Location: Lanseria and Johannesburg, South Africa
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800, registration ZS-ZWA
Flight Number: FA-474
Operator: Safair
Flight Route: Lanseria (South Africa) to Durban (South Africa)
Passengers: Undisclosed
Crew: Undisclosed
Summary of Events
On 21st November 2024, Safair Flight FA-474, a Boeing 737-800 en route from Lanseria to Durban, experienced a bird strike shortly after departure from Runway 07 at Lanseria Airport. The incident affected the right-hand CFM56 engine, prompting the crew to stop the climb at FL110 and divert to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport. The aircraft landed safely on Runway 03R approximately 25 minutes after departure.
Passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft, which departed for Durban after a delay of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The affected aircraft is undergoing inspections and maintenance to assess the extent of the damage.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The Boeing 737-800 involved, registration ZS-ZWA, is a twin-engine narrow-body aircraft widely used for short- to medium-haul flights. Powered by CFM56 engines, the aircraft is designed to withstand certain levels of bird strikes, but impacts can still result in engine damage or operational issues.
The flight crew consisted of experienced pilots trained in handling engine malfunctions and emergency procedures. Their decision to divert to Johannesburg ensured the safety of passengers and crew.
Sequence of Events
1. Takeoff and Climb:
Flight FA-474 departed Lanseria Airport on schedule, bound for Durban. During the initial climb, a bird strike occurred, impacting the right-hand engine.
2. Crew Response:
Following the bird strike, the crew detected issues with the engine and decided to stop the climb at FL110. They assessed the situation and chose to divert to Johannesburg as a precautionary measure.
3. Safe Landing in Johannesburg:
The aircraft landed safely on Runway 03R at O.R. Tambo International Airport approximately 25 minutes after departure. Emergency services were on standby but were not required as the situation remained under control.
4. Passenger Transfer:
Passengers disembarked and were transferred to a replacement Boeing 737-800 (registration ZS-FGD), which completed the journey to Durban with a delay of about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Bird Strike and Engine Damage
Bird strikes are a known hazard in aviation, particularly during takeoff and landing phases when aircraft operate at lower altitudes. The impact of a bird strike can range from minor damage to severe engine failure, depending on factors such as the size of the bird and the point of impact.
In this case, the bird strike affected the right-hand CFM56 engine, leading to operational concerns that warranted the diversion. Maintenance teams are inspecting the engine for possible damage to components such as fan blades, compressor stages, and casing integrity.
Initial Investigation and Analysis
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), in collaboration with Safair and engine manufacturer CFM International, is conducting an investigation to assess the circumstances and impact of the bird strike.
Key areas of focus include:
1. Extent of Engine Damage:
• Inspecting the CFM56 engine for physical damage and operational impacts caused by the bird strike.
• Evaluating whether the damage compromised engine performance or posed a risk to flight safety.
2. Bird Activity at Lanseria Airport:
• Reviewing wildlife management protocols at Lanseria Airport to assess the risk of bird strikes during departure and arrival phases.
3. Crew Decision-Making:
• Analyzing the crew’s response to the incident, including their decision to divert to Johannesburg and their adherence to standard operating procedures.
4. Operational Disruption and Recovery:
• Assessing the airline’s handling of passenger transfers and operational recovery following the diversion.
Passenger and Crew Impact
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The delay was managed effectively, with Safair providing a replacement aircraft to minimize disruption.
Conclusions
The bird strike on Safair Flight FA-474 underscores the ongoing risk of wildlife hazards in aviation. The flight crew’s prompt actions to divert ensured the safety of everyone onboard. Maintenance inspections will determine the extent of the engine damage and guide necessary repairs or replacements.
The incident highlights the importance of robust wildlife management programs at airports and the resilience of modern aircraft systems in handling such events.
Recommendations
1. Enhanced Wildlife Management at Airports:
• Airports should review and strengthen wildlife hazard management programs, including regular assessments of bird activity and deterrent measures.
2. Engine Design and Inspection Protocols:
• Operators and manufacturers should continue to advance engine designs to mitigate the impact of bird strikes and improve post-strike inspection protocols.
3. Crew Training for Wildlife Encounters:
• Airlines should ensure that flight crews receive regular training on handling bird strikes and other wildlife-related incidents, with a focus on decision-making and emergency procedures.
4. Passenger Communication and Support:
• Airlines should maintain clear communication with passengers during operational disruptions, ensuring timely updates and efficient rebooking processes.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife hazard management in aviation. While modern aircraft and engines are designed to withstand certain levels of impact, bird strikes remain a significant operational challenge. The investigation findings will likely contribute to improving wildlife management practices and further enhancing the resilience of aircraft systems.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
