On the evening of December 28, 2024, Air Canada Flight 2259, operated by PAL Airlines, encountered a severe emergency upon arrival at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The flight, originating from St. John's, Newfoundland, was approaching Halifax when it experienced a catastrophic landing gear malfunction, leading to a dramatic and dangerous landing situation. The aircraft, a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400, carried 80 passengers and crew when the incident occurred around 9:30 PM Atlantic Time. After noticing the landing gear issue, the pilot declared an emergency and prepared for an emergency landing. The plane's left landing gear failed to deploy correctly, causing the aircraft to tilt and skid upon touchdown, with one wing scraping the runway, which sparked a fire.
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Halifax Stanfield International Airport swiftly responded by closing one of its runways to manage the situation. The airport's emergency response team was immediately mobilized, ensuring the safety of the runway and surrounding areas. Fire services were on hand to douse the flames, and the swift action by emergency responders helped prevent what could have been a far worse outcome. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has initiated an investigation to understand the reasons behind the landing gear failure. Preliminary assessments suggest that the malfunction was isolated to the aircraft's left landing gear mechanism, which did not extend as intended, leading to the compromised landing. The TSB has secured the flight data and cockpit voice recorders to aid in their detailed analysis.
Despite the severity of the incident, there were no life-threatening injuries reported among the passengers or crew. Minor injuries were sustained due to the abrupt landing and subsequent evacuation. Passengers were commended for their cooperation during the emergency evacuation, which was carried out with organized urgency as one side of the plane was on fire. They were promptly moved to a nearby hangar where paramedics assessed everyone for injuries. Air Canada, in conjunction with PAL Airlines, has pledged full cooperation with the ongoing TSB investigation. The airlines have also offered counseling services to support passengers and crew members who experienced this traumatic event. The focus now is on understanding the mechanical failure to prevent future occurrences, with both airlines reviewing their maintenance and operational protocols related to the Dash 8-400 aircraft.
This incident echoes past events where similar aircraft have faced landing gear issues. However, the Dash 8-400, known for its reliability on short-haul regional flights, has generally maintained a commendable safety record. The event at Halifax underscores the critical importance of maintenance checks and emergency preparedness in aviation. Halifax Stanfield International Airport managed to reopen one runway later that night, allowing for the resumption of flight operations. This quick turnaround was vital during the busy holiday travel period, minimizing further disruptions. However, the incident has sparked a broader conversation on aircraft safety, emergency procedures, and the need for rigorous maintenance standards to ensure passenger safety in the aviation industry.