Air Canada Express Flight Evacuated in Halifax After Landing Gear Issue

73 Safe After Tense Landing Gear Incident in Halifax

On Saturday, December 28, 2024, at approximately 9:30 PM local time, Air Canada Express Flight AC2259, operated by PAL Airlines, experienced a landing gear malfunction upon landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The incident, involving a Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft arriving from St. John’s, Newfoundland, resulted in a fire and the swift evacuation of all 73 passengers and crew. Remarkably, no injuries were reported.

What Happened?

As Flight AC2259 touched down, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to skid off the runway. The friction ignited a small fire near the left wing, adding to the already tense situation. Passengers described hearing a loud bang, followed by the unsettling sound of metal scraping against the tarmac. Some reported seeing sparks and smoke entering the cabin. Nikki Valentine, a passenger on the flight, recalled seeing flames on the left side of the aircraft and smoke inside the cabin.

Despite the chaotic circumstances, the flight crew executed the emergency procedures effectively, guiding passengers to safety via the emergency slides. Airport fire crews responded promptly, extinguishing the flames before they could spread and cause further damage. Buses transported the evacuated passengers and crew to the terminal.

The Investigation

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) immediately launched an investigation to determine the cause of the landing gear malfunction. Investigators are examining several possibilities, including mechanical failure, material fatigue, maintenance procedures, weather conditions, and human factors. Data from the flight recorders, interviews with the crew and passengers, and a thorough inspection of the aircraft will be key to understanding the sequence of events. The TSB investigation may also examine similar incidents involving Dash 8 aircraft to identify any potential patterns or systemic issues.

Impact and Aftermath

The incident led to the closure of Halifax Stanfield International Airport for approximately 90 minutes, impacting other flights with diversions, cancellations, and delays. One runway remained closed the following morning as the investigation began.

Air Canada has pledged full cooperation with the TSB investigation and expressed its commitment to passenger safety. While the airline hasn’t speculated on the cause of the malfunction, they are likely providing support to the passengers involved.

Timeline of Events

Time (Approximate AST)	Event
~9:30 PM	Flight AC2259 lands with a suspected landing gear issue.
Immediately Post-Landing	Loud bang, sparks, and smoke reported. Emergency response initiated.
~9:35 – 9:45 PM (Estimated)	Passengers and crew begin evacuating the aircraft via emergency slides.
~9:45 – 9:55 PM (Estimated)	Fire crews extinguish the fire.
~9:55 – 10:15 PM (Estimated)	Evacuated passengers and crew transported by bus to the terminal.
~10:20 PM (Estimated)	All 73 passengers and crew confirmed safe.
Following Days	TSB investigation launched.

Passenger Accounts

Passenger accounts paint a vivid picture of the tense moments during and after the landing. While fear and uncertainty were palpable, the overall sentiment reflected relief and gratitude for the successful evacuation and the lack of injuries.

Looking Ahead

While this incident is a stark reminder of the inherent risks of air travel, it also highlights the effectiveness of safety procedures and emergency protocols. The TSB investigation will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into preventing similar incidents in the future, contributing to the ongoing efforts to enhance aviation safety.

This incident raises several questions. Could a component within the landing gear have malfunctioned due to metal fatigue or a manufacturing defect? Did the pilots follow established procedures during the landing? Were there any external factors, such as debris on the runway, that may have contributed to the incident? These are the questions investigators will be working diligently to answer in the weeks and months ahead.