Key points
- Wheel detachment: Outer wheel fell off SpiceJet Q400 (flight SG2906) during take-off from Kandla, retrieved by ATC from the runway.
- Full emergency: Declared at Mumbai; landing on Runway 27 at 15:51 IST; operations normalized shortly after.
- All safe: 75 onboard; smooth landing and normal disembarkation to terminal.
- Visual evidence: Video shows wheel falling off just before lift-off, triggering alert and emergency procedures.
- Context: Similar SpiceJet incidents noted recently; authorities expected to probe maintenance and landing gear assembly.
Mumbai: A Bombardier DHC8‑Q400 operating SpiceJet flight SG2906 lifted off from Kandla at 2:39 pm when the tower controller observed a large black object later identified as a wheel falling from the aircraft’s right side and rolling along Runway 23, prompting an immediate alert to the crew and recovery of the intact wheel and metal rings by an airside jeep. The airline later confirmed an “outer wheel” had been found on the runway post take-off and said the aircraft proceeded to Mumbai as emergency services were readied for arrival. Video shot by a passenger captured the wheel detaching moments before rotation, underscoring the seriousness of the in-flight situation.
Timeline and landing
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport declared a full emergency around 3:50 pm and the aircraft landed safely at 15:51 IST on Runway 27 with fire tenders and rescue teams on standby as a precaution. After touchdown, the aircraft taxied under its own power to the terminal and all passengers disembarked normally, with airport operations resuming shortly after. Officials noted that one rear right wheel was missing, and that the landing gear’s dual-wheel assembly contributed to a controlled landing despite the loss, a configuration consistent with the Q400’s tricycle system and six-tyre layout.
Passengers and crew
There were 75 people onboard, and authorities confirmed no injuries, with the airport reiterating that safety protocols were executed and normalcy restored soon after the landing. The aircraft’s smooth rollout and taxi to the gate minimized disruption and allowed standard disembarkation procedures.
ATC and recovery at Kandla
Kandla ATC observed an object fall immediately after departure, informed the pilot in command, and dispatched an ATC jeep to retrieve the fallen components, which included metal rings and the wheel assembly found on or near the runway surface. Recovery of these parts will aid the technical investigation into the wheel detachment sequence and potential maintenance or component issues.
Airline and airport statements
SpiceJet said the aircraft continued to Mumbai and landed safely, emphasizing that passengers disembarked normally after a smooth landing and taxi-in under its own power. The Mumbai airport operator confirmed a full emergency as a precaution and reported safe landing on Runway 27 at 15:51, with operations returning to routine shortly afterwards.
Investigation and safety context
A former regulator quoted in local reporting noted that a wheel loss is a serious incident, though dual-wheel assemblies can allow a safe landing; investigators will examine why the wheel detached and whether any latent defects or maintenance lapses exist. The incident follows other recent SpiceJet technical events, including a suspected tailpipe fire precaution at Delhi a day earlier and past occurrences like a window frame issue and a tyre incident, factors likely to draw heightened oversight during the probe.
Related: recent passenger disruption elsewhere
Separately, an Air India Delhi–Singapore service recently faced a lengthy delay due to a cabin cooling issue before departure, highlighting how on-ground technical snags can cause extended inconvenience even when no safety risk is present.
