Did a SpiceJet flight lose an outer wheel during take-off and land safely in Mumbai?
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Synopsis
On September 12, a SpiceJet flight from Kandla to Mumbai experienced an outer wheel loss during take-off but managed to land safely. This incident adds to the airline's recent challenges as it navigates operational difficulties and financial losses amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
Key Takeaways
- SpiceJet flight lost an outer wheel during take-off.
- Successfully landed in Mumbai without injuries.
- Recent incidents highlight ongoing safety and operational challenges.
- The airline recorded a significant loss in Q1 FY26.
- Geopolitical tensions are affecting leisure travel demand.
New Delhi, Sep 12 (NationPress) A SpiceJet flight traveling from Kandla (Gujarat) to Mumbai experienced a loss of an outer wheel during its take-off but managed to land safely in the country's financial hub, as reported by the airline on Friday.
The Q400 aircraft encountered the incident shortly after departing from Kandla.
“On September 12, an outer wheel of a SpiceJet Q400 aircraft was discovered on the runway post-take-off. The aircraft continued its flight to Mumbai and landed without incident,” a SpiceJet spokesperson stated.
After a smooth landing, the aircraft taxied to the terminal autonomously, allowing all passengers to disembark without any issues, according to the airline.
In another incident on Thursday, a flight bound for Kathmandu faced a potential tailpipe fire at Delhi airport but safely returned to its bay. This involved flight SG041, operated with a Boeing 737-8.
The flight was scheduled for morning departure but faced a delay of over four hours. The airline indicated that another aircraft on the ground reported a suspected tailpipe fire, leading the pilots to return as a safety precaution.
“No alerts or indications were present in the cockpit; however, the pilots opted to return as a preventive measure,” the airline clarified.
A tailpipe refers to the exhaust pipe of a jet engine, and a tailpipe fire, also known as an internal fire, can arise within the normal gas flow of the engine.
Despite these alarming events, officials confirmed that the aircraft was deemed safe and returned to operational status following comprehensive checks.
The budget airline recorded a significant loss in the first quarter (Q1) of FY26, reporting a consolidated net loss of Rs 234 crore, contrasting with a net profit of Rs 158 crore during the same period last fiscal year (Q1 FY25). The drastic downturn occurred as operational revenues plummeted by 34.4 percent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 1,120 crore from Rs 1,708 crore, according to their stock exchange disclosure.
The airline attributed its losses primarily to costs associated with grounded aircraft and the expenses involved in returning them to service. It also highlighted geopolitical tensions with neighboring countries and airspace restrictions in vital markets as factors that negatively impacted leisure travel demand.
Point of View
Incidents like the SpiceJet flight losing an outer wheel highlight the necessity for stringent safety protocols in aviation. While the airline managed to avert disaster this time, ongoing financial struggles reflect broader challenges in the industry. It is essential for airlines to prioritize safety and operational efficiency to maintain public trust.
NationPress
12/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the SpiceJet flight?
The SpiceJet flight from Kandla to Mumbai lost an outer wheel during take-off but landed safely.
Was anyone injured in the incident?
No, all passengers disembarked normally without any injuries.
What is a tailpipe fire?
A tailpipe fire refers to an internal fire within the jet engine's exhaust pipe, which can occur during normal operation.
What are the recent financial challenges faced by SpiceJet?
SpiceJet reported a net loss of Rs 234 crore in Q1 FY26, primarily due to costs related to grounded aircraft and decreased operational revenues.
How does geopolitical tension affect airlines?
Geopolitical tensions can lead to airspace restrictions and decreased demand for leisure travel, impacting airline revenues.
