On April 20, 1968, South African Airways Flight 228 operated a scheduled service from the international airport in Johannesburg to Windhoek, South West Africa (now Namibia). The aircraft involved was a Douglas DC-8, a popular jetliner of the time. While approaching Hosea Kutako International Airport, the flight encountered severe issues reportedly due to engine failure. The crew's attempts to manage the situation were unsuccessful, leading to a loss of control of the aircraft. The plane ultimately crashed in a remote area shortly before it was set to land, claiming the lives of all 123 people on board, including passengers and crew. This incident marked a significant tragedy in aviation, particularly for South African aviation history.

Rescue and recovery operations began shortly after the crash, however, the remote location of the accident complicated efforts. Investigators later determined multiple factors contributed to the crash, including potential mechanical issues and pilot error. The aftermath of the incident resulted in increased scrutiny of safety protocols and maintenance standards within the South African aviation sector, leading to changes designed to enhance passenger safety and enhance operational regulations for airlines both domestically and internationally.

Notably, the crash of Flight 228 prompted international safety audits and greater collaboration between airlines worldwide on safety practices. Passenger airlines began to adopt new safety technologies and management systems, shaping the future of airline operations. This incident also highlighted the importance of crisis management training and improved communication protocols between cockpit crews and air traffic control to mitigate the risk of similar disasters.