The Citizen reports that the SA Civil Aviation Authority (Sacaa) says a preliminary assessment indicates that SA Airways (SAA) was negligent in not reporting within the legal time limit a safety-related incident involving an Airbus A340-600 chartered to fly to Belgium to collect Covid-19 vaccines.

The incident allegedly involved a near-stall incident after takeoff from OR Tambo International Airport on 24 February. It was only averted when automated systems kicked in. The incident was “reportable” to the authority and had to be done within 72 hours of its occurrence, according to the law. Sacaa’s Kabelo Ledwaba said their investigation was nearing its conclusion and that a final report was being compiled to outline full findings and recommendations. As to what the consequences for SAA and the crew might be, Ledwaba said that “the content of the report, outlining the investigation conducted and findings, will serve as a guide on the appropriate enforcement action to be considered”. The “Alpha Floor” event was allegedly the consequence of the flight deck not completing a check-list properly. Had procedure been correctly followed, the entire incident could have been avoided, a SAA pilot has opined.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hein Kaiser at The Citizen (paywall access only)

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page