Mumbai
A major mishap was averted on Friday when a SpiceJet aircraft flying from Kandla in Gujarat to Mumbai lost a wheel shortly after take-off but landed safely with all passengers and crew unharmed.
Incident details
The Bombardier Q400 aircraft, carrying around 75 passengers, took off from Kandla airport in the afternoon. Moments later, Air Traffic Control staff noticed that a wheel from the aircraft’s landing gear had fallen onto the runway. The detached wheel and associated metal parts were later recovered.
Despite the technical fault, the aircraft continued its flight to Mumbai, where better emergency handling facilities were available.
Emergency response in Mumbai
Authorities at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport declared a full emergency to prepare for the landing. Fire tenders, ambulances, and emergency teams were deployed near the runway.
The aircraft made a controlled landing on Runway 27 and managed to taxi to the terminal on its own. Passengers disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.
Expert observations
Aviation experts noted that the aircraft avoided a major disaster because the remaining wheel in the dual-wheel assembly of the landing gear was intact, which helped the plane land safely. They also pointed out that diverting to Mumbai, instead of returning to Kandla, was a prudent decision since Mumbai has a longer runway and superior emergency infrastructure.
Investigation and safety concerns
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to launch a detailed investigation into the incident. The focus will likely be on aircraft maintenance protocols, inspection practices, and the integrity of critical components such as the landing gear.
The airline is also conducting its own internal inquiry. SpiceJet assured that passenger safety remains its highest priority and said all necessary support was provided to those on board.
Conclusion
The safe landing of the SpiceJet flight in Mumbai, despite losing a wheel mid-air, highlighted the importance of quick decision-making by the crew and coordinated emergency preparedness at major airports. The incident has, however, raised fresh concerns about airline maintenance standards and will likely intensify regulatory scrutiny.