A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 arriving at Reno, NV from Oakland, CA diverted to Sacramento after experiencing a wing flap problem on approach on 13 November 2024.
Southwest Airlines flight WN4474 had been cleared for an approach to runway 17R Reno Tahoe International Airport (RNO).
The flight was the scheduled service arriving from Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK).
During the latter stages of the approach, flight crew reported its experiencing a wing flap problem. As a result, go around was initiated and the landing was aborted.
Flight crew elected to make a diversion to Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
The flight landed without further incident on runway 16R Sacramento, approximately 40 minutes after the missed approach in Reno.
Subsequent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report confirmed the approach incident.
“Southwest Airlines Flight 4474 landed safely at Sacramento International Airport around 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Nov. 13, after the crew reported a possible flap issue.
The Boeing 737-800 departed from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport for Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The FAA will investigate.”
Flight data shows that flight WN4474 had made an on-time departure from Metropolitan Oakland International Airport at 1908 local time on 13 November.
The flight had set course normally, climbing to flight level FL230 for the north-easterly service to Reno.
The flight crew started the initial descent and approach to Reno normally, then initiated a go-around on final approach to runway 17R.
The aircraft conducting the WN4474 service from Austin was a Boeing 737-800, registered N8668A. This is a 9.6-year-old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the carrier Southwest Airlines.
The aircraft was involved in a previous incident on 7 April 2024 at Denver. In that instance the cowlings separated from the aircraft’s number two engine during the takeoff from Denver.
The aircraft was able to make a safe emergency landing at Denver following that particular incident.
