The following information provides an awareness of problems in the hope that they can be avoided in the future. The information is based on final reports by official investigative authorities on aircraft accidents and incidents.
Jets
Thrust Reversers Were Unlocked
Boeing 747-400. No damage. No injuries.
Shortly after lifting off the runway, the flight crew was surprised by stall warnings that, unknown to them, were triggered by a loss of lift due to the uncommanded retraction of most of the wing leading-edge flaps. “The pilot flying was able to prevent the aircraft from stalling, with support from the other crewmembers, and to keep the aircraft flying until the leading-edge flaps re-extended and normal performance capability returned,” said the final report on the serious incident by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The incident occurred the evening of May 11, …
