Mumbai, India: A major aviation scare unfolded on Friday afternoon when a SpiceJet Bombardier Q400 aircraft operating flight SG 2906 from Kandla to Mumbai lost one of its main landing gear wheels shortly after take-off. The aircraft, carrying 75 passengers and crew, landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) under full emergency protocol, averting a potential disaster.
According to airport authorities at Kandla, air traffic controllers spotted an object falling off the aircraft during take-off around 2:38 pm. Upon closer inspection, officials confirmed that it was the outer wheel of the right rear landing gear, along with metal rings that rolled off the runway. The parts were later recovered for investigation.
BREAKING- Full emergency declared at Mumbai Airport after a SpiceJet aircraft’s outer wheel found on the runway.
— Frontalforce 🇮🇳 (@FrontalForce) September 12, 2025
Video of wheel getting detached from aircraft by passenger.pic.twitter.com/ICkRmXblGh
Despite the wheel loss, the pilots continued to Mumbai after coordinating with air traffic control. A full emergency was declared at Mumbai airport, where firefighting and rescue teams were positioned near the runway. The aircraft landed at 3:51 pm on Runway 27, taxied under its own power, and parked safely. All passengers disembarked without incident.
A SpiceJet spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that the airline is cooperating with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for a detailed probe. “The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority. The affected aircraft has been grounded pending thorough inspection,” the airline said in a statement.
Aviation experts suggest several possible causes for such a wheel detachment, including failure of the locking mechanism, loose axle nuts, bearing issues, or material fatigue. The Q400’s landing gear has dual wheels on each side, which allowed the pilots to land with reduced but adequate braking capability.
Operations at Mumbai airport resumed shortly after the aircraft was cleared from the runway. No further delays were reported. The DGCA has initiated an inquiry to determine whether the incident was due to a maintenance lapse, manufacturing defect, or operational issue. Preliminary findings are expected in the coming days.
A day ago, a SpiceJet aircraft bound for Kathmandu experienced a suspected tailpipe fire shortly after landing at Delhi Airport. The incident occurred during taxiing, prompting immediate response from airport emergency services. Fire crews were stationed near the aircraft as a precaution, but no flames were observed. The aircraft was safely parked, and all passengers disembarked without incident. The airline confirmed that the aircraft was grounded for inspection, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initiated an inquiry to determine the cause of the suspected fire.
