In a dramatic incident that unfolded over the weekend, an Air Canada Express aircraft experienced a fiery emergency landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The event occurred on Saturday evening when Flight 2259 from St. John’s encountered difficulties upon arrival. Despite the alarming situation, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without any reported injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the incident, which led to temporary closure of one of the airport's runways and some flight disruptions.
Details of the Incident
On a chilly December evening, just after 9:30 PM local time, an Air Canada Express Embraer 170-200 was making its descent into Halifax Stanfield International Airport. As it touched down, the plane skidded along the runway, causing one of its wings to catch fire. According to passenger accounts, the aircraft leaned heavily to one side during landing, leading to a loud grinding noise as metal scraped against the pavement. Smoke began to seep into the cabin, heightening the sense of urgency among those aboard.
Airport officials swiftly responded to the emergency. The Emergency Response Services team was on-site within minutes to assist with evacuating the 73 passengers and crew members. Everyone was safely transported off the airfield for medical evaluation, though no injuries were reported. Meanwhile, the damaged aircraft remained on the closed runway, awaiting inspection by the Transportation Safety Board.
The incident caused significant disruption to airport operations. One of the two runways was temporarily closed for approximately 90 minutes, resulting in several flight diversions, cancellations, and delays. Authorities emphasized that safety remains their top priority and advised travelers to check their flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Passenger Nikki Valentine described the harrowing experience to CBC, noting that one of the plane’s tires did not deploy correctly upon landing. This malfunction caused the aircraft to tilt at an angle, leading to the wing scraping the runway and igniting. She recounted the intense shaking of the plane and the sight of flames erupting from the left side.
Reflections on the Incident
From a journalist's perspective, this incident underscores the critical importance of aviation safety protocols and the rapid response capabilities of airport emergency services. Despite the alarming circumstances, the swift actions of the crew and first responders ensured that no lives were lost. It also highlights the resilience and composure of passengers during moments of crisis. As investigations continue, this event serves as a stark reminder of the need for continuous vigilance and preparedness in the aviation industry.