Boeing 737 tyre comes off mid-air over Iran, pilot averts major accident

A Boeing 737 aircraft operated by Sepehran Airlines narrowly escaped a major mid-air accident over Iran. The plane was flying from Mashhad in northeastern Iran to Kermanshah when, a few minutes after take-off, a tyre came off one of its wheels. The technical fault caused the engine to shut down, and the aircraft began shaking violently in the air.

The sudden, intense vibration scattered luggage inside the cabin. Overhead baggage compartments sprang open on their own, and heavy bags fell onto passengers seated below and into the aisle. Some passengers suffered minor injuries from the falling luggage.

Video of the incident has been circulating widely on social media, showing visibly frightened passengers, some praying and others screaming in fear as the aircraft shook. Crew members tried to manage the situation as the shaking continued.

As soon as the tyre failure and engine problem were detected, the pilot contacted air traffic control at Mashhad airport. Passengers were informed of the technical fault, and the pilot decided not to continue the flight, choosing instead to return immediately to Mashhad airport.

The Boeing 737 landed safely at Mashhad airport. Ambulances and emergency teams had already been stationed at the airport. According to initial information, no one died in the incident and all passengers and crew members are safe, though some passengers needed medical attention due to the falling luggage and the shock.

Civil aviation authority officials have not yet given any official explanation for the cause of the incident. A team of experts is closely examining the aircraft to determine whether the tyre detachment caused the engine shutdown, or whether an engine fault put excess pressure on the tyre. This is the second emergency involving a Sepehran Airlines aircraft flying out of Mashhad airport in recent days, raising serious questions about air safety.