Biman launches probe after wheel detachment on flight from Cox’s Bazar

Following an incident on May 16th involving the detachment of a wheel from one of its Dash-8 Q400 aircraft during take-off from Cox’s Bazar, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has established two investigative committees and implemented an immediate action plan.

Despite the loss of a wheel shortly after departure, the flight successfully landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, thereby averting a potentially severe accident, the national flag carrier stated today.

In response to the incident, Biman has formed two distinct three-member committees to conduct a thorough investigation from both safety and technical standpoints.

One committee, headed by the airline’s Chief of Flight Safety, will undertake a comprehensive safety review. The second committee, operating under the Engineering and Material Management Directorate, has been tasked with examining the technical aspects of the incident, reviewing maintenance records, and recommending necessary corrective measures.

Both investigative committees have been instructed to submit their findings within three working days.

Preliminary assessments suggest that the wheel detached due to a bearing malfunction, the airline indicated, based on initial technical observations.

The aircraft manufacturer, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, has acknowledged that bearing failure is a recognized potential cause of wheel separation, as documented in its maintenance manual.

Upon the aircraft’s arrival in Dhaka, engineers confirmed the absence of the left-side (No. 2) wheel.

As a precautionary measure, Biman’s engineering team immediately conducted inspections on all Dash-8 aircraft currently stationed in Dhaka.

The airline has also contacted De Havilland Canada, which has agreed to dispatch a specialized technical team by May 19th to assist in the ongoing investigation and provide further guidance.

Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to operational safety, Biman reiterated its stringent zero-tolerance policy regarding maintenance oversights and pledged to implement all necessary measures to prevent any future occurrences.