- Air Canada Flight 2259 catches fire during crash landing at Halifax Stanfield Airport.
- A suspected landing gear failure led to the plane skidding and catching fire.
- All 73 passengers and crew safely evacuated, with minor injuries reported.
On Saturday night, Air Canada Flight 2259, operated by PAL Airlines, experienced a frightening emergency landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The aircraft, arriving from St. John’s, Newfoundland, faced a suspected landing gear malfunction, which caused the plane to skid off the runway.
During the landing, the left wing caught fire, and the aircraft was left in a precarious position for several moments. Fortunately, all 73 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and there were no major injuries reported, although minor injuries were noted by authorities.
Investigation Underway After Air Canada Plane Catches Fire During Landing in Nova Scotia
This incident follows a recent tragedy in South Korea, where a Boeing 737-800 aircraft crashed after its landing gear failed. The catastrophic event, which claimed 179 lives, highlighted the critical importance of landing gear systems in aviation safety. While the cause of the Halifax incident remains under investigation, experts will focus on the possibility of similar mechanical failures. Despite the traumatic nature of the event, the swift evacuation of passengers prevented any fatalities in Nova Scotia.
Authorities quickly responded to the emergency, and all 73 people onboard were evacuated safely, though there were reports of minor injuries. The fire on the aircraft was extinguished, and the airport resumed operations shortly after the incident. While the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, early reports indicate that a mechanical failure related to the landing gear may have played a role in the accident.
This incident is particularly noteworthy as it follows the tragic crash in South Korea, where a similar landing gear issue contributed to the loss of 179 lives. The recent accidents underscore the importance of addressing potential mechanical flaws in aircraft to ensure passenger safety. Aviation authorities will likely scrutinize landing gear systems as a result of both incidents.
Although the event was harrowing for those involved, the successful evacuation and the absence of major injuries reflect the effectiveness of emergency response protocols. Authorities have emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring the safety of passengers and crews across the globe.
The quick response by the crew and emergency teams highlights the importance of preparedness in critical situations, preventing what could have been a far worse disaster.
“The plane shook quite a bit and we started seeing fire on the left side of the plane and smoke started coming in the windows.” – Nikki Valentine, passenger aboard Air Canada Flight 2259.
