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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 11, 2009 · Boeing 747-436 · G-BYGA

Johannesburg, ZA

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Incident
Date
May 11, 2009
Location
Johannesburg, ZA
Aircraft
Boeing 747-436
Tail Number
G-BYGA
Operator
British Airways
NTSB Number
ENG09WA005

On May 11, 2009 at 18:37 UTC, a British Airways Boeing 747, powered by Rolls-Royce RB211-524H2-T engines, experienced a No. 3 thrust reverser unlock light illumination during the takeoff roll from the Tambo International Airport (FAJS - formerly known as Johannesburg International Airport) while the airplane was traveling at 124 knots. The No. 2 engine thrust reverser unlock light came on at 163 knots and just prior to rotation the slats retracted. The airplane rotated and climbed at a 200 foot per minute rate. The flight crew dumped fuel and did an air turn back to FAJS where a safe and uneventful landing was made. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of South Africa. Further information pertaining to this incident may be obtained from: General Manager, Safety Promotion South African Civil Aviation Authority Private Bag X73 Halfway House Waterfall Park 1685 Pretoria South Africa Tel.: (27) 011 545 1000 E-mail: mail@caa.co.za Fax: (27) 011 545 1465 Website: http://www.caa.co.za This report is for information purposes only and contains only information obtained for, or released by the Government of South Africa.

Full Narrative

On May 11, 2009 at 18:37 UTC, a British Airways Boeing 747, powered by Rolls-Royce RB211-524H2-T engines, experienced a No. 3 thrust reverser unlock light illumination during the takeoff roll from the Tambo International Airport (FAJS - formerly known as Johannesburg International Airport) while the airplane was traveling at 124 knots. The No. 2 engine thrust reverser unlock light came on at 163 knots and just prior to rotation the slats retracted. The airplane rotated and climbed at a 200 foot per minute rate. The flight crew dumped fuel and did an air turn back to FAJS where a safe and uneventful landing was made. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of South Africa. Further information pertaining to this incident may be obtained from: General Manager, Safety Promotion South African Civil Aviation Authority Private Bag X73 Halfway House Waterfall Park 1685 Pretoria South Africa Tel.: (27) 011 545 1000 E-mail: mail@caa.co.za Fax: (27) 011 545 1465 Website: http://www.caa.co.za This report is for information purposes only and contains only information obtained for, or released by the Government of South Africa.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time18:37 UTC
Nearest AirportTambo International Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing 747-436
Tail NumberG-BYGA
Aircraft CategoryAir
OperatorBritish Airways
Engines4
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · RB211-524H2-T · Turbofan | RB211-524H2-T · Turbofan

People & Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total0

Conditions

WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data