3 days Ago By Jonathan E. Hendry
In the latest update following the firey landing of a regional Dash 8 at Halifax International Airport , the disabled aircraft has been moved from the runway, which is now reopened to traffic. Air Canada and PAL Airlines crews have also been authorized to access the luggage from the aircraft and reunite it with passengers. All clear to proceed The PAL Airlines de Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprop, registered as C-GPNA, was stranded on one of the airport's two runways overnight as aviation safety inspectors assessed the scene.
The aircraft was operating flight PVL2259 on behalf of Air Canada Express between St. John's International Airport (YYT) and Halifax International Airport (YHZ) on Saturday evening when a "suspected landing gear issue" caused the plane to skid down the runway and emit flames upon landing. Only minor injuries were sustained.
Thankfully, the aircraft crew and 73 passengers were all unharmed, but the airport was closed for around 90 minutes as emergency crews responded to the situation. Canada's Transportation Safety Board was on-site over the weekend and completed its review of the area at 18:15 yesterday, giving approval for the aircraft’s removal. When reached for comment by Simple Flying, an airline spokesperson confirmed that both runways are now operating as usual: "We assisted our airline partners in safely relocating the aircraft.
The runway was inspected and reopened today (Dec. 30) at 10:15 a.m.
Both runways are now available for regular flight operations. "We want to thank our Emergency Response team and our partners for their safe and efficient management of this incident. Ensuring safe and secure operations remains our top priority.
" The airport's Emergency Response Services team responded immediately to the aircraft and to assist passengers and crew when the incident occurred at around 21:30 on Saturday, December 28th. All passengers and crew onboard were safely deplaned and transported off the airfield for medical assessment while the team stabilized and inspected the aircraft before clearing the other runway to resume regular flight operations. Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today.
Four flights were diverted due to the incident, and there were a handful of cancellations and delays while the airfield was closed on Saturday. What happens next? The aircraft has been safely transported to a safe location for further inspection. Speaking to Simple Flying today, an Air Canada spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft has been moved to a hangar following its release by the TSB.
Crews from PAL and Air Canada have been unloading the cabin and checked baggage, which are now being reunited with passengers. The airline will roll out the service across all flights next year. When asked about the next steps, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, on behalf of the Government of Canada, confirmed the agency will also examine a number of different factors, including but not limited to: The equipment (a de Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprop) the operation of the equipment / human factors the operators / company the wreckage the meteorological conditions the maintenance history of the aircraft any other relevant information Speaking to Simple Flying today, a representative of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada confirmed the agency is paying close attention to the aircraft' landing year, which was initially thought to be behind the firey landing: "The aircraft was removed from the runway and taken to a safe location late Sunday night.
Our investigators will continue the technical examination of the aircraft, focusing in particular on the left landing gear. "They will also begin interviews with operational personnel and this process will continue throughout the rest of the week." An Air Canada spokesperson separately confirmed that the airline is assisting in the investigation, as the flight was operating under the Air Canada Express brand: "As noted previously, the TSB will be investigating, and PAL and Air Canada will support its work.
Out of respect for the investigative process, we cannot speculate and have no additional information to provide at this time." The two airlines completed the inaugural PAL Airlines operation of an Air Canada Express flight between St. John’s International Airport and Halifax Stanfield International Airport in July 2023.
The partnership will see PAL Airlines acquire up to six additional Dash 8-400 aircraft to be progressively introduced into service on behalf of Air Canada over the next five years..
