Canadian transportation authorities are investigating a troubling incident involving an Air Canada Express flight that suffered a suspected landing gear issue after landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia on Saturday night.
The flight, AC2259, was operated by PAL Airlines and departed from St. John’s, Newfoundland, carrying 73 passengers. Upon landing, the aircraft was unable to taxi to the terminal. Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick confirmed in a statement to CNN that passengers were evacuated via bus.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) identified the plane as a De Havilland DHC-8-402. The plane skidded along the runway for a considerable distance. Witnesses reported dramatic scenes aboard the aircraft, including flames and smoke.
Passenger Nikki Valentine described the harrowing moments to CNN partner CBC. “The plane shook quite a bit, and we started seeing fire on the left side of the plane, and smoke started coming in the windows,” she said. Despite the alarming situation, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
Airfield Operations Affected
The incident temporarily closed Halifax Stanfield International Airport’s airfield for approximately 90 minutes. Tiffany Chase, a Halifax International Airport Authority spokesperson, stated that one of the airport’s two runways was cleared for flight operations soon after.
Four flights were diverted to other airports during the closure, and several cancellations and delays occurred. Normal operations resumed late Saturday night, but the affected aircraft remained on the runway pending an investigation by the TSB.
Response and Passenger Support
In a statement, Air Canada acknowledged the unsettling nature of the incident and assured passengers of its ongoing support. “We appreciate this incident was unsettling for customers, and we remain available to assist them,” the airline said.
The airline also explained that passengers’ belongings would be returned once investigators cleared the aircraft. Air Canada emphasised that, out of respect for the investigative process, it could not speculate on the cause of the suspected landing gear issue.
TSB Investigation Underway
The TSB announced it would deploy a team of investigators to Halifax to investigate the incident. The team is expected to arrive on Sunday and analyse the aircraft, interview witnesses, and review flight data.
The TSB’s investigation aims to determine the root cause of the suspected malfunction and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Comparisons to South Korea Tragedy
This incident in Halifax, while alarming, pales in comparison to a far more severe aviation tragedy that occurred in South Korea earlier on Sunday morning local time. A Jeju Air flight crash-landed at Muan International Airport, resulting in 179 fatalities.
Preliminary reports from South Korean officials and aviation experts suggest that a landing gear malfunction may have contributed to the deadly crash. Though the circumstances differ, both incidents highlight the critical importance of landing gear systems in ensuring air travel safety.
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Reassurance Amid Uncertainty
While the Halifax incident ended without injuries, it has raised questions about the reliability of landing gear systems on specific aircraft models. Thanks to the swift response of the flight crew and emergency personnel, passengers aboard Flight AC2259 were left shaken but unharmed.
Air Canada has reiterated its commitment to safety and transparency throughout the investigation. “We are working closely with the TSB and will take all necessary actions to ensure the continued safety of our operations,” the airline stated.
Implications for Aviation Safety
The Halifax incident reminds us of the inherent risks of air travel and the need for robust maintenance and inspection protocols. The TSB’s findings will likely inform future safety measures and contribute to the ongoing evolution of aviation standards.
For now, passengers, airline officials, and investigators await answers. The cause of the suspected landing gear malfunction remains unknown, and speculation is being avoided until the TSB completes its work.
While the event disrupted Halifax Stanfield International Airport operations, the quick resumption of flights and the absence of injuries provided a silver lining to an otherwise unsettling night for those aboard Flight AC2259.