Halifax Stanfield International Airport experienced a 90-minute closure on Saturday night following a landing mishap involving Air Canada Flight 2259, operated by PAL Airlines. The aircraft, arriving from St. John’s, skidded on the runway, partially catching fire during the landing.
The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. AT, with 73 passengers and crew on board. According to passenger Nikki Valentine, the ordeal began when one of the plane’s tires failed to deploy properly.
“The plane tilted about 20 degrees to the left. We heard what sounded like a crash as the wing and engine began skidding along the pavement,” Valentine told CBC.
As the plane came to a halt, flames were visible on its left side, and smoke began entering the cabin. Despite the chaotic scene, Valentine said the evacuation was completed in about two minutes.
“One side of the entire plane was on fire. Everyone moved quickly but in an organized manner to exit,” she added.
Immediate Response
Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick confirmed the incident was caused by a suspected landing gear issue. While Fitzpatrick stated there were no injuries, the Nova Scotia RCMP reported that some passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation.
Passengers were evacuated by bus as the aircraft was unable to taxi to the terminal.
The airport reopened one runway shortly after the closure, while the affected aircraft remained on the second, now-closed runway. The incident caused the diversion of four flights and delays or cancellations for several others.
Investigation Underway
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has deployed investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident, which involved a de Havilland DHC-8-402 aircraft.
Further updates on the investigation and potential safety measures are expected as officials work to determine the root cause of the mishap.
The incident underscores the critical importance of robust safety protocols, with airport and airline personnel praised for their swift response to ensure passenger safety.
