A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka lost a wheel midair due to suspected bearing failure, prompting an emergency landing and investigation.
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| Biman confirms initial findings point to bearing malfunction in Dash-8 Q400 aircraft that lost a wheel midair; Canadian technical team to join probe in Dhaka. Image: Biman/ CH |
DHAKA, Bangladesh — May 20, 2025:
Biman Bangladesh Airlines confirmed on Monday that a wheel fell off one of its aircraft shortly after takeoff last week due to a suspected bearing malfunction. The incident involved flight BG-436, which was en route from Cox's Bazar to Dhaka on May 16, carrying 71 passengers and two crew members.
In an official statement, Biman reported that preliminary assessments indicated a failure or malfunction in the wheel bearing of the aircraft's landing gear. The affected aircraft was a Dash-8 Q400 model, manufactured by the Canadian company De Havilland Aircraft Company.
According to the airline, such a fault can lead to the deflection or complete separation of a wheel or tire, as occurred during the flight. Despite the midair incident, the aircraft landed safely at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 2:20 p.m. after declaring an emergency. Fire and rescue units were deployed on the runway as a precaution.
The flight had taken off from Cox’s Bazar at approximately 1:30 p.m. when the problem emerged. Captain Jamil Billah, a seasoned pilot with nearly 8,000 hours of flight experience, was in command, assisted by First Officer Zayed. The crew swiftly informed Air Traffic Control, and emergency protocols were immediately activated.
After landing and reaching the designated parking area, engineers confirmed that wheel number two from the aircraft's left landing gear was missing. Later, the detached wheel was recovered from the Samiti Para area in Cox’s Bazar town.
Biman has reached out to the aircraft manufacturer for technical support. De Havilland has responded by dispatching a specialized team from Canada, which is expected to arrive in Dhaka today to assist in the investigation.
To ensure thorough examination and accountability, the Civil Aviation Authority has formed two separate committees to investigate the incident and review the safety standards of the aircraft’s landing gear system.
Final conclusions regarding the cause of the bearing malfunction are pending until the investigation is complete.