Dhaka, May 16 -- The clock was approaching 1:30pm. A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight to Dhaka had just taken off the runway in Cox's Bazar when a serious incident occurred -- a wheel next to the aircraft's landing gear came off mid-air.

The aircraft, a Canadian-made De Havilland Dash 8-Q400, was carrying 71 passengers and two crew members at the time.

Friday's flight was being piloted by Captain Jamil Billah, who has nearly 8,000 hours of flying experience, assisted by First Officer Zayed.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, the pilot immediately informed the air traffic control tower at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, the airport's Executive Director Group Captain Kamrul Islam said: "After...