KATHMANDU, March 6: The front wheel of an aircraft of Buddha flying from Janakpur to Kathmandu on Thursday fell off during takeoff at Janakpur Airport.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), they found that the wheel of the aircraft with call sign 9N-ANH had fallen off only after the plane had safely landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
According to CAAN Spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul, the pilots of the plane that took off from Janakpur Airport at 4:45 pm on Thursday were not aware of the wheel falling off during the takeoff, nor did the plane’s indicators show any unusual activities during the flight.
A search was launched after the nose landing gear (front wheel) was found missing during a routine technical inspection after the plane landed at Tribhuvan International Airport. During a contact with Janakpur Airport, spokesperson Bhul informed that it was confirmed that the wheel had fallen near the runway during the take off.
“The wing was found on the turning point of the runway at Janakpur Airport. An investigation is underway to determine what caused this,” spokesperson Bhul told Republica.
There were 62 passengers on board the plane, all of whom were safe. The plane has currently been grounded, and the CAAN has launched a detailed investigation into the incident.