Emergency Landing in Halifax: Air Canada Plane Catches Fire During Landing, DKnews.kz reports.
Flight 2259 of Air Canada, traveling from St. John’s (Newfoundland and Labrador) to Halifax (Nova Scotia), faced a critical emergency. During its landing at Halifax International Airport, the aircraft encountered a severe incident, resulting in a fire.
Sequence of Events
As the plane approached the runway, its wing struck the landing strip, causing sparks that quickly ignited into flames. Thanks to the professionalism of the crew and the swift response of the rescue teams, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated. Fortunately, there were no casualties or serious injuries.
Air Canada flight after the accident / Photos from social networks
Eyewitnesses reported that the plane was descending at an angle, possibly indicating a technical issue. One passenger suggested that the cause might have been a malfunction in the landing gear, with one of the wheels possibly failing to deploy fully. This could have led to the wing making contact with the runway.
Onboard Experience
Passengers recounted hearing a loud noise upon impact, accompanied by a metallic scraping sound. Despite the pilots' efforts to stop the plane, it rolled several meters before coming to a halt. Moments later, passengers saw flames engulfing the left wing of the aircraft. Panic ensued, but the crew’s clear instructions ensured a rapid evacuation before the fire spread further.
Response of Rescue Services
Airport rescue teams acted swiftly, containing the fire within minutes. Ambulances arrived at the scene, though thankfully, their services were not needed. The well-coordinated efforts of the emergency teams helped prevent further risks and chaos.
Investigation Underway
The exact cause of the incident is currently under investigation. Experts are examining potential technical faults or pilot error. Special attention is being given to the state of the landing gear, as preliminary evidence suggests it might have been a key factor in the accident.
Passenger Reactions
Eyewitness accounts estimate that at least 80 passengers were aboard the flight, as the plane was fully booked with no vacant seats. Many passengers remain in shock from the ordeal. “We heard a loud crash, and then the plane started to skid. It was terrifying. But the crew acted quickly, and we managed to evacuate before the flames engulfed the wing,” said one passenger.
Air Canada’s Response
Air Canada representatives expressed regret over the incident and pledged full cooperation with aviation authorities in the investigation. The company also assured that all passengers of Flight 2259 would be provided with support, including psychological assistance.
Safety Concerns
This incident raises important questions about the reliability of aircraft maintenance and the need for thorough pre-flight inspections. Experts believe it may prompt additional checks, not only for Air Canada but also for other airlines operating in the region.
This event underscores the critical importance of maintaining the highest safety standards in aviation. Despite the gravity of the situation, the professional actions of the crew and airport teams ensured there were no fatalities. However, Air Canada faces numerous questions to restore passenger confidence and prevent similar incidents in the future.
