Dash Dilemma: Biman Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing in Dhaka
A Biman Bangladesh Airlines aircraft, flight BG 436 (Dash 8-Q400), made a successful emergency landing at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday afternoon after losing a wheel mid-air. The aircraft, which had departed from Cox’s Bazar Airport, was carrying 71 passengers, including children.
The incident occurred shortly after takeoff when one of the aircraft’s rear wheels detached and fell to the ground. The plane safely landed at 2:22 PM, thanks to the exceptional skills of Captain Billah, who was commanding the flight.
According to airport sources, the runway was temporarily closed to facilitate the emergency landing, with ambulances and fire service units placed on standby. The emergency landing was declared as a precaution, and the runway remained unavailable until the aircraft touched down safely.
ABM Rashed Kabir, General Manager (Public Relations) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, confirmed the incident, stating, “One of the rear wheels fell off shortly after takeoff from Cox’s Bazar Airport. Our engineering team was stationed beside the runway at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The flight was declared an emergency.”
A team of aviation specialists noted that Dash 8-Q400 aircraft are capable of emergency landings even with one rear wheel missing.
Upon recognizing the issue in the air, Captain Billah promptly informed Dhaka’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested an emergency landing. In response, the airport activated its emergency protocols, and fire service units were deployed on standby.
A video of the landing, captured by the ATC and later shared on Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ verified Facebook page, showed the aircraft slightly tilting to one side and skidding on the runway. It appeared the pilot had maneuvered the aircraft to ensure the load was distributed in a way that minimized pressure on the side missing a wheel.
Thanks to the pilot’s presence of mind and expertise, a potentially catastrophic event ended without injuries, leaving passengers safe and grateful.
