SpiceJet Aircraft Loses Wheel During Take-off, Lands Safely in Mumbai
India-based airline SpiceJet experienced a serious technical malfunction on 12 September. Flight SG 2906, a Bombardier DHC8-400 (Dash 8-Q400), lost the outer wheel of its landing gear during take-off from Kandla Airport in Gujarat.
The moment was captured by passengers on their mobile phones. The footage shows the wheel detaching from the right landing gear as the aircraft lifts off and rolling off the runway into a side area. A passenger’s shout of “The wheel is falling” can also be heard on the video.
Emergency Declared
During take-off, air traffic controllers reported seeing a large black object fall onto the runway. An inspection confirmed it was the outer wheel and metal components of the landing gear. Following procedure, the pilots declared an emergency and diverted the aircraft to Mumbai.
At 15:51, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai declared a full emergency. Despite the preparations, the aircraft landed safely on Runway 27. All passengers and crew disembarked without incident.
Statements from SpiceJet and the Airport
A SpiceJet spokesperson issued the following official statement:
“On 12 September, a Q400 aircraft operating from Kandla to Mumbai experienced the separation of its outer wheel from the landing gear after take-off. However, the aircraft landed safely in Mumbai. All our passengers and crew are safe.”
Mumbai Airport officials also confirmed that operations returned to normal shortly after, stating: “Flight safety is always our top priority.”
