A Boeing 737-230, operating as Nationwide flight CE723, departed from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) on schedule at 15:50. During a takeoff from runway 01, the right-hand engine separated from the wing. During rotation the crew noticed a sudden spool down indication on all right-hand engine gauges, followed by drastic attitude changes. The aircraft was banking towards the left and right side, then started to sink and thereafter yawed to the right. The right-hand engine thrust lever retarded uncommanded and the reverse thrust warning light also illuminated and remained on. The crew managed to recover the aircraft from the uncommanded roll to both left and right and was able to establish a normal flight attitude. An emergency was then declared and the aircraft continued to climb and remained at an altitude of 3000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL), as it was vectored along the circuit by the ATC. The flight deck crew carried out one orbit with the aircraft prior to them receiving clearance to land on runway 01. A safe landing on runway 01 followed.
"The right-hand engine separated from the aircraft due to the failure of the aft cone bolt as a result of a pre-existing fatigue crack which was most likely caused by incorrect installation of the cone bolt."
The Commissioner for Civil Aviation strengthens the capability of the SACAA to ensure adequate safety oversight and compliance by operators with regard to safety requirements and directives.
The Airworthiness Department of the SACAA introduces a procedure which will address the issuance of approvals via e-mail.
The Commissioner for Civil Aviation should initiate a minimum standard (Safety Management System) procedure that could assist and educate the operators to manage risk within their operations.
Distance from Cape Town International Airport to Johannesburg-O.R. Tambo International Airport as the crow flies is 1267 km (792 miles).