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Commercial
Aviation
/ Africa
flight to pieces
A320 makes full flight without part of the control surface
By: Rafael Ramos
On: 1/30/2023
Airbus A320 with broken elevator
Image: Social Media
An Airbus A320, registration 9S-ABM, operated by CAA – Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, suffered an incident with the loss of a part of the left elevator, which is a horizontal flight control surface at the end back of the plane's tail.
After the loss of surface, still on takeoff, the pilot chose to continue the flight, which departed from Mbuji Mayi to its final destination, in Kinasa N'Djili.
The incident occurred on Sunday (29) and it is still unknown whether the pilots were aware of the problem or whether they only became aware of it afterwards. The fact is that the plane continued flying normally up to 30,000 feet and a speed of 470 knots (870 km/h).
The plane performed the approach only with right turns and finally landed without problems on runway 24 after about 90 minutes of flight time.
Local sources claim that the damage appears to be the result of material fatigue. In addition, the left elevator that came loose was recovered while still at the airport.
Elevator found in the airport
Image: Social Media
Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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