Australian Aviation reports that the ATSB has praised the Link Airways crew and air traffic control after a Newcastle-bound flight landed with a missing wheel. According to the report, flight FC201 was operating to Newcastle on 29 January 2026 with 19 passengers and three crew on board.
During take-off, the aircraft’s left inboard main landing gear wheel separated. Air traffic control then advised the flight crew during the climb.
It is a reminder of how much coordination sits behind regional air transport when something unexpected happens. The headline moment is the aircraft landing, but the broader aviation picture includes the crew, ATC, company procedures, airport response and later ATSB review all playing their parts.
That matters in regional flying because many routes support tourism, events, family travel and local business movements at the same time. When demand is seasonal or event-driven, regional airports and airlines can be carrying people who may not fly that route often, so calm communication and disciplined safety processes are especially visible.
One aviation takeaway: this kind of incident shows why regional aviation planning is not just about seats and schedules. It also relies on well-practised abnormal operations, clear ATC support and transparent safety reporting after the event.
Related context: Operator safety standards
Source: ATSB praises Link Airways crew, ATC for landing with missing wheel
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