MUMBAI- A SpiceJet (SG) flight experienced a serious technical malfunction on Thursday (September 12, 2025) when one of its wheels detached during takeoff. The incident occurred when the aircraft was on its takeoff roll, and as the aircraft was just going airborne.
The flight prompted emergency procedures at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft, operating flight SG-3639, successfully completed its journey despite the missing wheel and landed safely with all passengers and crew unharmed.
SpiceJet Bombardier Dash 8 loses a wheel upon takeoff | Photo: X UserSpiceJet Q400 Loses Wheel
Flight SG-3639 was departing Kandla when an outer wheel detached from the aircraft during takeoff. The wheel separated from the aircraft and ended up in the grassy area next to the runway. The dislodged wheel was later recovered from the runway by airport staff. Despite losing the wheel, the aircraft continued its scheduled journey to Mumbai with all safety protocols in place.
The cause of wheel separation during takeoff operations requires investigation to determine the underlying factors. Aircraft wheels are pretty robust, but mechanical failures do happen, especially on older aircraft that have logged thousands of flight hours. The Q400 is a reliable turboprop, but like any machine, it needs careful maintenance to keep everything working properly.
While these are completely different types of incidents, they contribute to public concerns about aviation safety. Although full emergencies are rare and handled with strict protocols, the recurrence of such incidents is likely to heighten scrutiny on airlines and safety oversight in India. This increased scrutiny should typically lead to better maintenance practices and more rigorous safety checks.
Emergency Response Done Right
SpiceJet Q400 emergency landing at Mumbai AirportWhen Mumbai airport got word about the inbound aircraft missing a wheel, they declared a full emergency. Fire tenders, ambulances, and emergency crews were positioned and ready as the flight approached. This might sound dramatic, but it’s standard procedure for any aircraft experiencing technical difficulties.
The pilots deserve credit here. The flight landed smoothly, and passengers disembarked without incident. Even better, the aircraft taxied to the terminal under its own power after a smooth landing, which shows both the crew’s skill and the aircraft’s design redundancies working as intended.
Operations at Mumbai airport continued normally after the aircraft vacated the runway. The airports are well-prepared for these situations. The affected Q400 will undergo thorough inspections before returning to service.
Q400 Design & SpiceJet Response
Photo- Venkat Mangudi; Wikimedia CommonsThe Q400 has multiple wheels on its main landing gear, which means losing one wheel, while serious, doesn’t make the aircraft unflyable. The remaining wheels can handle the landing loads, though it requires careful piloting. This redundancy is exactly why aircraft are designed the way they are – to handle failures like this.
A SpiceJet spokesperson stressed that passengers were never at risk, which is likely accurate given the aircraft’s built-in safety features. Still, I imagine it was a nerve-wracking experience for everyone on board when they learned what happened.
The DGCA will likely investigate to understand what caused the wheel detachment and whether there were warning signs that could have prevented it. For SpiceJet, this adds to their operational challenges as they work to rebuild their reputation in a competitive market.
Bottom line
The flight crew’s decision to continue to Mumbai rather than attempting an immediate return to Kandla likely involved several operational considerations. Kandla Airport, being a smaller regional facility, may have limited emergency response capabilities compared to Mumbai’s Airport.
There could have been the immediate need of medical facilities and specialized emergency crews. Mumbai airport also has longer runways and more advanced ground support equipment, making it better suited to handle aircraft emergencies.
Additionally, the flight crew would have assessed the aircraft’s performance and determined that the Q400 could safely complete the approximately 45-minute flight to Mumbai with the remaining landing gear intact.
This decision reflects the standard aviation practice of diverting to airports with superior emergency response capabilities when technical issues arise, especially when the aircraft remains controllable and airworthy.
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