On December 28th, a PAL Airlines de Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprop, operating as Air Canada Express flight PVL2259, experienced a fiery landing at Halifax International Airport (YHZ). A suspected landing gear issue caused the aircraft to skid along the runway, emitting flames. Thankfully, all 73 passengers and crew onboard escaped with only minor injuries, and both runways have since been reopened.
Incident Overview: What Happened?
The aircraft departed from St. John’s International Airport (YYT) bound for Halifax. During landing, a suspected issue with the left landing gear led to the plane skidding down the runway and producing flames. Emergency crews responded swiftly, safely evacuating all passengers and crew.
Key Timeline of Events
- 21:30, Dec. 28th: Aircraft lands with a suspected landing gear malfunction, prompting emergency response.
- 90-Minute Closure: Both runways at YHZ were closed for safety assessments.
- Dec. 30th, 10:15 a.m.: Runways were cleared for operations after inspection by Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB).
Passenger Safety and Response
Emergency Response Services at Halifax International Airport acted promptly, assisting with evacuation and stabilizing the aircraft. Passengers were taken off the airfield for medical evaluation, but only minor injuries were reported. Four flights were diverted, and several others were delayed or canceled.
Investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)
The TSB is leading the investigation into the incident and has relocated the Dash 8 to a secure hangar for further analysis. Key areas of focus include:
- Left Landing Gear: Believed to be central to the fiery landing.
- Aircraft Maintenance: Reviewing maintenance records for potential issues.
- Operational Factors: Investigating crew actions and communication.
- Meteorological Conditions: Assessing how weather may have contributed.
- Human and Company Factors: Examining operational protocols and training.
TSB representatives have begun interviewing personnel involved and analyzing wreckage data to determine the root cause of the incident.
Aircraft Removal and Runway Reopening
Following the TSB’s assessment, the aircraft was moved from the runway on Sunday night. This allowed Halifax International Airport to reopen its runways by December 30th. PAL Airlines and Air Canada crews have since accessed the plane to unload luggage, which is being returned to passengers.
An Air Canada spokesperson expressed gratitude for the swift handling of the situation, stating:
“We thank our Emergency Response team and partners for their safe and efficient management of this incident. Ensuring safe and secure operations remains our top priority.”
Next Steps for the Investigation
As the investigation progresses, the TSB will:
- Conduct a detailed technical examination of the Dash 8’s systems, particularly the landing gear.
- Analyze the wreckage and maintenance history.
- Evaluate pilot actions and airline procedures.
- Assess external factors such as weather conditions.
Air Canada has confirmed full cooperation with the investigation, given the flight’s operation under its Express brand.
Minimal Impact on Operations
Despite the severity of the landing, disruptions at Halifax International Airport were kept to a minimum. Four flights were diverted, and a few cancellations occurred during the brief closure. Normal operations resumed on December 30th, ensuring minimal impact on the busy holiday travel period.
The fiery landing of flight PVL2259 at Halifax International Airport is a stark reminder of the complexities of aviation safety. Thanks to swift emergency response and careful coordination, all passengers and crew emerged with minor injuries, and operations resumed quickly. As the TSB continues its thorough investigation, the findings will undoubtedly provide valuable insights to enhance aviation safety standards, ensuring incidents like this are prevented in the future.