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Boeing 737 loses wheel mid-air, makes emergency landing in Johannesburg, sparking safety concerns. No injuries reported.
In a recent startling event, a FlySafair Boeing 737 was compelled to make an urgent landing at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport right after takeoff due to the loss of one of its main wheels, causing a noticeable bang. The incident, which involved visible smoke emanating from the plane’s exposed wheel hub, quickly became a hot topic on social media.
The occurrence is another setback for the aircraft manufacturer. Reports from the New York Post describe the moment when a loud noise was heard as the aircraft skidded to a stop on the runway. The damage was significant, with the landing gear and right wing partially collapsing, though, fortunately, no injuries were reported, thanks to alert ground staff who spotted the missing wheel as the aircraft ascended.
Before it was deemed safe to land, the aircraft made a low fly-by over the airport, allowing specialists to inspect the landing gear. After the ordeal, passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft bound for Cape Town, significantly later than their planned arrival time. This mishap occurs amid heightened scrutiny of Boeing, particularly regarding its safety and management practices following various mechanical failures.
Amid this heightened scrutiny, Boeing’s recent history of safety concerns has been highlighted by a series of incidents, such as the unplanned detachment of a door on an Alaska Airlines flight earlier in the year, which has put Boeing’s operational practices under the microscope. With multiple ongoing investigations by agencies like the FAA, the Justice Department, and the National Transportation Safety Board, and intense congressional hearings, Boeing faces severe criticisms and challenges.
A notable point of contention has been Boeing’s manufacturing processes. During a Senate subcommittee hearing, a Boeing engineer named Sam Salehpour accused the company of rushing production and compromising safety, leading to potential structural failures in aircraft. According to Salehpour, excessive pressure was applied during the assembly of the Dreamliner’s fuselage sections, risking the integrity of its carbon-composite frame. His concerns were met with a dismissive response from his superior, questioning his commitment to the team.
These internal issues come to light as Boeing tries to navigate through the aftermath of the 737 Max tragedies, which resulted in 346 deaths over two crashes in 2018 and 2019. Despite efforts to revamp its safety protocols and manufacturing standards, the FAA has also faced criticism for its initial approval of the 737 Max, highlighting flaws in its oversight.
In the wake of these challenges, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun has repeatedly emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing its safety culture and manufacturing quality. He described the Alaska Airlines incident as a pivotal moment for Boeing’s transformation.
Meanwhile, relatives of the victims from the 737 Max crashes are pushing for legal action against Boeing, citing breaches of a 2021 agreement with the Justice Department that required Boeing to improve its compliance practices in exchange for deferral of criminal prosecution. With a payment of $2.5 billion to settle the criminal investigation and compensate victims’ families, Boeing’s adherence to this agreement is under review, with potential legal repercussions if violations are confirmed.
The post FlySafair Boeing 737 Makes Emergency Landing After Losing Wheel Mid-Air appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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