Chante Hohip22 April 2024 | 7:09

WATCH: Pilots hailed heroes after FlySafair plane loses wheel during take-off

The pilots made a safe landing in Johannesburg.

WATCH: Pilots hailed heroes after FlySafair plane loses wheel during take-off

FlySafair adds 11 new destinations flights in Southern Africa. Photo: Twitter

The pilots and crew onboard a FlySafair flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town were praised for their quick-thinking, smooth emergency landing over the weekend.   

Flight FA212 from Johannesburg to Cape Town was forced to return to OR Tambo after losing its rear wheel.   

Ground staff at OR Tambo alerted the airline about what appeared to be damage to one of the aircraft’s back wheels. 

“The crew were alerted to the observation and the decision was taken to return to Johannesburg,” says FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gordon. 

“Flight FA212 adjusted course back for Johannesburg and entered a holding pattern near Parys to burn off some fuel to lighten the aircraft for landing.”

The aircraft made a low pass over OR Tambo so teams could inspect and assess the landing gear before making the final landing.

“The wheel affected was one of the two attached to the left rear landing strut. The aircraft proceeded into a second holding pattern over Centurion to burn away remaining fuel before their final landing approach.”

Just over two hours after take-off, the plane landed at OR Tambo. 

No injuries were reported and all the passengers were loaded onto a backup aircraft and were soon on their way to Cape Town.

As news of the incident hit social media, users praised the pilots and crew for their skill 

“The wheel affected was one of the two attached to the left rear landing strut. The aircraft proceeded into a second holding pattern over Centurion to burn away remaining fuel before their final landing approach.” Just over two hours after take-off the plane landed at OR Tambo. No injuries were reported and all the passengers were loaded onto a backup aircraft and were soon on their way to Cape Town. As news of the incident hit social media, the users praised the pilots and crew for their skillful work.