As investigators work to uncover the cause of the Dash 8 landing incident at Halifax International Airport in December, the spotlight has returned to the landing gear troubles that particular aircraft model has experienced over the years.
A new investigation examined data on occurrences involving the Dash 8-400 turboprop airliner, and several of them were related to its landing gear. Fortunately, none were engaged in a fatal crash.
The incident in December
On December 28, a PAL Airlines de Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft went off the runway and caught fire while landing at Halifax International Airport (YHZ). One of the passengers seated inside captured the incident on camera.
Images circulating online revealed a problem with the plane’s left landing gear. The plane tipped to that side as it dragged down the runway, and flames erupted from the affected section. Fortunately, the crew and 73 passengers were uninjured, though several passengers reported minor injuries.
Due to the nature of the incident, the plane was unable to reach the terminal, and all passengers were transported there by bus. However, it caused a temporary inconvenience at the airport, which was shuttered for almost 90 minutes as emergency workers responded to the incident.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada will conduct an investigation to identify the cause of the accident, and only after it issues a final report will it be possible to ascertain the circumstances that contributed to the occurrence.
However, The Globe and Mail has recently investigated the history of this aircraft type and the statistics to highlight the landing gear troubles that the Dash 8-400 has encountered over the years.
History of landing gear issues
While investigators are busy inspecting the PAL Airlines aircraft involved in the event and its documents, as well as interviewing cockpit and cabin crew members, a new web report examines the Dash 8-400’s history and how it has had landing gear troubles over the years.
According to The Globe and Mail, experts feel the Dash 8 is a safe plane, but it has experienced landing gear troubles over the last two decades. According to the report, the jet crashed three times in Scandinavia owing to landing gear problems.
Experts questioned for the research also point to the Flight Safety Foundation, a US non-profit, which has a database of 600 “occurrences” relating to the Q400 stretching back two decades. Twenty-five of these issues have been linked to the type’s landing gear.
John Cox, CEO of Florida-based aviation consulting firm Safety Operating Systems, stated that he has been made aware of multiple Q400 landing gear concerns in the past few years. Fortunately, they were mostly non-fatal because the breakdowns happened at modest speeds.
Despite these difficulties, experts think the aircraft type is generally safe to operate. Simple Flying has contacted De Havilland Canada for comment.
Bad week for aviation
Fortunately, the PAL Airlines event resulted in no fatalities, but the same could not be said for two other aircraft disasters in the same week. The year 2024 ended on a dismal note for aviation, with two deadly jet crashes occurring within days of one another.
The first featured an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190, which crashed in Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 passengers. Initial results indicate that the airliner was likely hit by Russian air defense systems while attempting to land in Grozny before being redirected to Kazakhstan.
The second incident occurred in Muan, South Korea, when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed into a concrete structure at the end of the runway. Only two people, both cabin staff members, survived the disaster.
FAQ
What happened during the recent Dash 8-400 incident?
The recent Dash 8-400 incident involved a landing gear malfunction that raised concerns about the type’s recurring landing gear issues.
Has the Dash 8-400 had landing gear problems in the past?
Yes, the Dash 8-400 has a history of landing gear malfunctions, which has led to multiple investigations and technical advisories over the years.
What measures have been taken to address Dash 8-400 landing gear issues?
Manufacturers and operators have issued maintenance checks, inspections, and modifications to reduce the occurrence of landing gear malfunctions.
Is the Dash 8-400 still considered safe to fly?
Yes, despite these incidents, the Dash 8-400 remains certified for commercial use, and airlines continue to operate the aircraft with enhanced maintenance protocols.
Who is responsible for investigating the Dash 8-400 incident?
Aviation safety authorities, along with the aircraft manufacturer, are responsible for investigating the incident and recommending further safety measures if necessary.
