Biman forms 2 committees to probe wheel detachment from Cox’s Bazar-Dhaka flight
The committees have been tasked with identifying the root cause of the incident, reviewing related maintenance conditions and records, and recommending measures to prevent recurrence.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has formed two separate probe committees to investigate the incident in which a wheel fell off a Cox's Bazar-Dhaka flight during takeoff on 16 May, with 71 passengers on board.
According to a press release issued today (19 May), a three-member investigation committee led by the chief of flight safety has been formed. In addition, another three-member committee has been constituted under the Directorate of Engineering and Material Management.
The committees have been tasked with identifying the root cause of the incident, reviewing related maintenance conditions and records, and recommending measures to prevent recurrence.
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They are expected to submit their report within three working days.
According to the press release, the aircraft involved was a Dash-8 model manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada. The incident occurred at 1:21pm, shortly after the plane took off from Cox's Bazar Airport. One of its wheels detached during the takeoff roll.
The Cox's Bazar control tower informed the pilot of Flight BG-436 about the situation. The pilot continued the journey to Dhaka and declared an emergency before landing safely.
The press release says initial observations suggest the wheel detached due to a bearing failure. The exact cause will be confirmed once the probe committee submits its report.
As a precautionary measure, Biman's engineering department immediately inspected the wheels of all Dash-8 aircraft stationed in Dhaka. The airline also contacted De Havilland Canada to request the urgent dispatch of technical experts.
The press release further mentions that Biman has also prepared a plan to return the affected aircraft to passenger service. The airline has reported the incident to the aircraft manufacturer and is seeking maintenance advice.
Once corrective actions are taken in line with the manufacturer's guidelines, the aircraft will undergo inspection by the Civil Aviation Authority. Only after approval will it be cleared to resume passenger operations.
According to De Havilland Canada, there have been 59 wheel-related incidents globally involving Dash-8 Q400 aircraft between 2013 and 2017. The Dash-8 Q400 is equipped with a redundant landing gear system, meaning the loss of a single wheel does not compromise overall flight safety.
