Bangladesh honours captain, crew of Biman flight for landing safely after losing rear wheel

Advisor Bashir Uddin calls for heightened caution in future to avoid such untoward incidents, a statement says

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has bestowed honours on the captain, first officer and a member of the cabin crew of a Biman Bangladesh Airlines jet for touching down safely even after the rear wheel of the plane had fallen off.

Aviation and Tourism Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin paid tribute to them at the Balaka Bhaban in Kurmitola at 11am on Monday, the ministry said in a press statement.

The incident occurred on May 16, shortly after Flight BG-436 took off from Cox’s Bazar around 1:30pm, with 71 passengers and two crew members onboard. As the plane ascended, one of the wheels located near the landing gear fell off.

Recognising their success in landing the aircraft safely, the authorities honoured Captain JSMM Billah, First Officer Zayed Tajim and cabin crew member Jamal Uddin.

The advisor commended the courageous effort of those involved while calling for heightened caution in future to avoid such untoward incidents, the statement said.

Bashir Uddin later took part in a presentation session on Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ preparation and capacity of ground handling services at the third terminal of the Shahjalal International Airport.

He stressed the importance of finishing the construction work on the third terminal properly and on time.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan and Biman Managing Director and CEO Shafikur Rahman were among the others present at the meeting.