Incident Overview
On 05 June 2022, a serious incident occurred involving an ATR 42-300 aircraft, registration S2-AHI, operated by NXT Air Ltd. During takeoff from Runway 05 at Shah Amanat International Airport (VGEG) in Chattogram, Bangladesh, the outer wheel assembly detached from the left landing gear. The flight crew was notified by air traffic control that an inflated wheel assembly was found near the departure end of the runway.
The Pilot-in-Command decided to divert to Cox's Bazar Airport (VGCB), where the aircraft landed safely at 0636 UTC. No injuries were reported.
Investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee of Bangladesh (AAIC-BD) initiated an investigation. A two-member investigation team was formed, with the Member Engineering appointed as Investigator-in-Charge. The investigation focused on determining the root cause of the wheel assembly detachment. In accordance with ICAO Annex 13, the AAIC-BD issued notifications and a preliminary report. The investigation sought expert opinions from the wheel bearing and wheel assembly manufacturers, whose reports were incorporated into the final analysis.
Findings and Safety Recommendations
The final report identified the root cause of the wheel assembly detachment. Safety recommendations were issued to prevent recurrence of similar incidents. The operator had already implemented corrective actions for two intermediary safety recommendations prior to the final report's release.
The investigation was conducted solely for the purpose of preventing future accidents and serious incidents, not to apportion blame or liability.