Boeing 737's aren't designed to be reversed!

South Africa: Probably the only country where a pilot will drive a passenger plane like it is a mini-bus!

The ‘previously disadvantaged’ (read black man) pilot of this B737-200 landed at Hoedspruit (ex-airforce base) in the dark and proceeded to take the wrong taxiway. Having arrived at a dead end he then attempted to turn around by reversing, using reverse thrust. He misjudged and put the main gear off the concrete. It then rolled back down the bank. He then tried to climb out using full power. Of course with the engines that close to the ground they ingested grass, stones etc. If it wasn’t raining the jet blast would probably have set fire to the surrounding bush. The aircraft has been written off.  The cost of the engines alone exceeds the insured value.

Thanks to Peter for sending this in.