ENG09WA005

On May 11, 2009 at 18:37 UTC, a British Airways Boeing 747, powered by Rolls-Royce RB211-524H2-T engines, experienced a No. 3 thrust reverser unlock light illumination during the takeoff roll from the Tambo International Airport (FAJS - formerly known as Johannesburg International Airport) while the airplane was traveling at 124 knots. The No. 2 engine thrust reverser unlock light came on at 163 knots and just prior to rotation the slats retracted. The airplane rotated and climbed at a 200 foot per minute rate. The flight crew dumped fuel and did an air turn back to FAJS where a safe and uneventful landing was made. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the government of South Africa. Further information pertaining to this incident may be obtained from: General Manager, Safety Promotion South African Civil Aviation Authority Private Bag X73 Halfway House Waterfall Park 1685 Pretoria South Africa Tel.: (27) 011 545 1000 E-mail: mail@caa.co.za Fax: (27) 011 545 1465 Website: http://www.caa.co.za This report is for information purposes only and contains only information obtained for, or released by the Government of South Africa.