On Jan 29th, 2026, a Link Air Saab 340B, registration VH-VEZ, operating flight LR-201 from Canberra, ACT, to Newcastle, NSW, experienced a serious mechanical failure moments after departure.
The turboprop had just lifted off from Canberra’s runway 35 when the inboard left main wheel separated from the aircraft. Recognizing the abnormality, the crew halted the climb at 5,000 feet and initiated a return to the departure airport to assess the situation and prepare for landing.
Approximately 25 minutes after takeoff, the Saab 340 landed safely back on runway 35 in Canberra. Emergency services were on standby as a precaution, and the aircraft vacated the runway without further incident.
Australia’s ATSB subsequently opened an investigation into the occurrence to determine the cause of the wheel separation. After inspections and maintenance, the aircraft was cleared to return to service the following day, bringing the incident to a safe conclusion.
