SpiceJet Q400 Aircraft Loses Wheel After Take-Off from Kandla, Makes Safe Emergency Landing in Mumbai

A SpiceJet Q400 aircraft, en route to Mumbai, experienced a significant scare when a wheel detached after take-off from Kandla airport on Friday. The plane, carrying 75 passengers, managed an emergency landing in Mumbai without incident, according to officials. The Mumbai airport operator, MIAL, confirmed the safe landing at 3:51 pm, ensuring all passengers and crew were unharmed.

Flight operations at the Mumbai airport faced brief disruptions due to the emergency. The flight had departed Kandla at 2:38 pm, slightly delayed from its scheduled time of 1:25 pm. It landed in Mumbai at 3:51 pm, as tracked by Flightradar24.com. The Bombardier Q400 aircraft is typically used for regional flights.

SpiceJet Aircraft Safety Concerns

On September 12, a similar incident occurred when an outer wheel of a SpiceJet Q400 plane was discovered on the runway post-take-off from Kandla to Mumbai. Despite this, the aircraft proceeded to its destination and landed safely. An official noted that one rear right wheel was missing during the recent incident.

An Air Traffic Controller (ATC) at Kandla airport alerted the SpiceJet pilot about the missing wheel shortly after take-off. This prompted a full emergency declaration for flight SG2906. Fortunately, the aircraft's landing gear was retracting properly, allowing it to land safely.

Emergency Protocols and Recent Incidents

MIAL did not specify the airline but confirmed that an aircraft from Kandla made an emergency landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) due to a technical issue. A full emergency was declared as a precautionary measure. The plane landed safely on Runway 27, and normal operations resumed soon after.

SpiceJet has faced several issues in recent months. In July, a window frame detached mid-air on a flight from Goa to Pune. Such incidents have raised concerns about the airline's safety protocols and maintenance practices.

The airline stated that all passengers and crew members were unharmed during these incidents. They assured that safety remains their top priority and that they are investigating these occurrences thoroughly to prevent future issues.

With inputs from PTI