A routine flight from St. John’s to Halifax turned into a frightening ordeal yesterday, late Saturday evening after the left main landing gear of the plane appeared to collapse upon touchdown, sending sparks flying and smoke pouring into the cabin.
Air Canada Flight 2259, operated by PAL Airlines, landed at Halifax Stanfield International Airport around 9:30 p.m. AT on Dec. 28. Witnesses and passengers report seeing flames along the left side of the Bombardier DHC-8-402Q Dash 8 as it skidded along the runway. The runway was closed for about 90 minutes while emergency crews worked to bring the situation under control.
There were 73 passengers and four crew members on board at the time. Airport officials say the aircraft came to a halt on the runway and was evacuated via the exits before passengers were transferred by bus to a secure area of the airport.
According to Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, crews arrived to assist with extinguishing the flames. Nova Scotia RCMP and paramedics also responded, with officials reporting minor injuries but no serious harm.
The aircraft remains on the closed runway, but airport authorities say other runways have reopened. The incident caused at least four flight diversions and multiple delays, affecting holiday travel for some passengers.
A statement from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada said a team of investigators is expected to begin examining the aircraft and runway this weekend. While the exact cause of the suspected landing gear failure has not yet been determined, both Air Canada and PAL Airlines say they will cooperate fully with the TSB probe.
Officials have not provided an estimate of how long the runway will remain closed while the damaged aircraft is removed and the site inspected. Air Canada says customers requiring further assistance or accommodation will be contacted directly.
For now, the cause of the fiery landing in Halifax remains under investigation.