SpiceJet plane loses wheel during take-off; lands safely in Mumbai. Emergency response praised, but safety concerns spark fresh scrutiny
1. A Shocking Start: Wheel Falls Off During Take-Off
Mid-Air Scare, Grounded Calm: SpiceJet’s Wheel Mishap Ends Safely in Mumbai – On September 12, 2025, passengers aboard SpiceJet flight SG 2906 from Kandla to Mumbai experienced a terrifying moment. Just after take-off, one of the aircraft’s outer wheels fell off and was later found on the runway. The plane, a Bombardier Q400, was carrying 75 passengers when the incident occurred.
Air traffic control at Kandla Airport noticed a dark object dropping from the aircraft and quickly alerted the pilot. Despite the alarming situation, the pilot chose to continue the flight to Mumbai, which has a longer runway and better emergency facilities. Mumbai Airport immediately declared a full emergency, preparing fire and rescue teams for a possible crash landing.
Thankfully, the aircraft landed safely at around 4 PM. It taxied to the terminal under its own power, and all passengers disembarked without injury. The calm handling of the situation by the crew and airport staff helped avoid panic and ensured everyone’s safety.
2. What Went Wrong: Technical Trouble in the Sky
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Q400, known for its dual-wheel assembly. This design likely helped the plane land safely even after losing one wheel. According to SpiceJet, the missing wheel was one of the rear outer tyres, which detached during take-off and remained on the runway.
Aviation experts say such incidents are rare but not impossible. Aircraft tyres face extreme pressure during take-off and landing. If a wheel is not properly secured or has hidden damage, it can fail under stress. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to launch a full investigation to find out what caused the failure and whether maintenance protocols were followed.
SpiceJet has assured that all safety procedures were followed and that they are cooperating fully with authorities. The airline also stated that passenger safety is their highest priority.
3. Passengers React: Fear, Relief, and Praise
For the 75 passengers on board, the flight was anything but routine. Some reported feeling a slight jolt during take-off but were unaware of the missing wheel until after landing. Others praised the crew for staying calm and professional throughout the flight.
Social media quickly lit up with posts from passengers and observers. Many expressed relief that the flight landed safely, while others raised concerns about aircraft safety and maintenance standards. One passenger tweeted, “Didn’t know we lost a wheel until we landed. Hats off to the pilot and crew!”
Mumbai Airport officials also received praise for their quick response. Declaring a full emergency ensured that fire trucks, ambulances, and rescue teams were ready if needed. Their preparedness helped turn a potentially dangerous situation into a smooth landing.
4. Looking Ahead: Safety, Trust, and Accountability
This incident has sparked fresh discussions about airline safety in India. While SpiceJet managed the situation well, the fact that a wheel fell off during take-off is serious. Aviation authorities will now examine maintenance records, crew reports, and technical data to understand what went wrong.
For passengers, trust in airlines depends on transparency and accountability. People want to know that safety checks are thorough and that airlines take every precaution. The DGCA’s investigation will play a key role in restoring confidence.
Meanwhile, SpiceJet has arranged alternative flights for affected passengers and is reviewing its fleet for similar issues. The airline has faced scrutiny in the past for technical glitches, and this incident adds to the pressure to improve safety standards.
In the end, this story is a reminder of how fragile air travel can be and how important it is to have skilled professionals and strong systems in place. A missing wheel could have led to disaster. Instead, it became a story of calm under pressure, quick thinking, and a safe landing.
Also read: Seconds to Catastrophe: Air India Crash Report May Reveal Fatal Fuel Switch Error
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