A passenger flight from Edinburgh to Belfast narrowly avoided a potentially dangerous situation when a wheel detached from the aircraft during takeoff—without anyone noticing.
According to a new report by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB), the front nosewheel fell off shortly after the plane lifted off from Edinburgh Airport on October 31, 2023. Shockingly, neither ground crew nor pilots realized what had happened. The missing wheel was only discovered after the plane landed safely in Belfast and was taxiing to the gate.
Though the aircraft remained stable, investigators later warned that if the wheel had come off during the plane’s descent into Belfast, it could have landed in a populated area.
Fortunately, the detached wheel, along with the axle nut and related parts, was found near the runway in Edinburgh. No one was hurt, and the aircraft suffered no further damage—but the report makes clear just how serious the incident could have been.
The root cause? A fractured axle caused by “bearing overheat,” likely linked to sloppy maintenance practices. Investigators cited several red flags: over-greasing, missing balancing weights, and improper installation techniques.
While Emerald Airlines claimed the flight was never in danger, the incident raises big questions about maintenance standards. It’s another reminder that in aviation, one overlooked detail can rapidly become an emergency.
Thanks to quick action by airport staff and luck in timing, a potential disaster was averted—but it was a close call.
