Summary
On 16 May 2025, a DHC-8 Series-400 aircraft, registration S2-AJW, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, experienced a wheel detachment during takeoff from Cox's Bazar Airport (VGCB). The aircraft was operating as flight BG-436, a scheduled passenger service from Cox's Bazar to Dhaka. The aircraft took off at 0713 UTC and the wheel loss was observed by air traffic control. The pilot in command elected to continue to Dhaka, where the aircraft landed safely. All passengers disembarked without injury.
History of Flight
The aircraft had previously operated as flight BG-435 from Dhaka to Cox's Bazar, landing at approximately 0642 UTC. After arrival, a riding engineer performed a pre-flight inspection and declared the aircraft serviceable. The aircraft then departed Cox's Bazar at 0713 UTC. According to the preliminary report, during the takeoff roll at Cox's Bazar, one main wheel became detached from the left landing gear. The ATC tower controller observed a wheel rolling across the runway and west of the runway abeam the tower/runway centre area and informed the flight crew. The pilot in command decided to proceed to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (VGHS) in Dhaka for better emergency and maintenance facilities. The aircraft landed safely with the left inner main wheel missing. After landing, the aircraft vacated the runway and stopped on South Alpha taxiway, where it was shut down.
Injuries and Damage
The preliminary report states that all passengers were disembarked without injury or harm. The aircraft sustained damage due to the missing left main wheel; specific details of damage are not yet fully documented.
Investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee of Bangladesh (AAIC-BD) is conducting the investigation in accordance with national rules and ICAO Annex 13. A one-member go-team was dispatched to Dhaka Airport and found the aircraft after landing. The Transport Safety Board of Canada has appointed a non-travelling accredited representative to provide support. The investigation is ongoing; this is a preliminary report released on 29 May 2025.
Operations
- Flight number: BG-436
- Type of operation: Commercial passenger
- Last departure point: Cox's Bazar Airport (VGCB)
- Intended landing: Dhaka (VGHS)
- Time of departure: 0713 UTC (takeoff at 0721 UTC)
- Crew: The pilot in command accepted the aircraft after pre-flight inspection; the riding engineer performed the pre-flight check.