An Air Canada Express flight from St. John’s encountered a suspected landing gear problem upon landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, causing flames on the aircraft and prompting an investigation.
On a recent Saturday night, Air Canada Express Flight AC2259 arrived at Halifax Stanfield International Airport from St. John’s, Newfoundland, and experienced a suspected landing gear malfunction. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the 73 passengers aboard. However, the aircraft, operated by PAL Airlines, could not reach the terminal, necessitating passenger disembarkation via bus.
Nikki Valentine, one of the passengers on the flight, described a frightening scene where the plane shook violently and passengers observed flames on the left side. Smoke began infiltrating the cabin through the windows, adding to the tension and concern among travelers.
The incident at Halifax draws parallels to a more catastrophic event in South Korea, where a Jeju Air flight crash-landed, resulting in 179 fatalities. Although no one was injured in the Halifax incident, the disturbance was considerable, and Air Canada pledged assistance to the passengers affected.
Tiffany Chase, a spokesperson for Halifax International Airport Authority, reported that the airfield was closed for about 90 minutes. During this period, four flights were diverted, and several others faced cancellations and delays. One runway was eventually cleared to resume operations.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the suspected landing gear issue. A team of investigators was dispatched to the site, and their findings are awaited before any further actions are taken regarding the aircraft, which remains on the runway. Passengers’ belongings will be returned only after the aircraft is released by the authorities.
Air Canada expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with the investigation while refraining from speculation about the malfunction’s cause. The airline emphasized that respecting the investigative process is crucial, as is supporting the passengers following the unsettling event.
The suspected landing gear issue on the Air Canada flight serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel. With no injuries reported, the priority now lies in understanding the cause to prevent future occurrences. The ongoing investigation by the Transportation Safety Board will hopefully provide clarity and enhance safety measures in aviation.
Source: Wsvn
