Overview
On December 28th, 2024, a PAL Airlines de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration C-GPNA, operating flight AC-2259 from St. John’s, Newfoundland (CYYT) to Halifax, Nova Scotia (CYHZ) on behalf of Air Canada, experienced a left main landing gear collapse during landing on Halifax’s runway 23.
• Aircraft Type: Dash 8-400
• Passengers: 73
• Crew: 4
• Injuries: None reported
• Damage: Substantial, including left engine fire and propeller runway contact
Sequence of Events
1. Departure from St. John’s
• During takeoff at CYYT, the number 1 main wheel tire (left outboard) failed, leaving debris on the runway.
• The crew was unaware of the blown tire condition as it was not detected during routine checks, and the flight proceeded to Halifax.
2. Landing at Halifax
• The aircraft landed on Halifax’s runway 23 at 21:13L (01:13Z Dec 29th).
• The imbalance caused by the blown tire led to severe vibrations, compromising the stabilizer brace of the left main landing gear.
3. Gear Collapse
• The stabilizer brace unlocked, resulting in the left main landing gear collapsing.
• The left propeller struck the runway, and sparks were observed.
4. Engine Fire
• The left engine ignited due to propeller damage and impact.
• The crew activated the fire extinguisher system, successfully extinguishing the fire.
5. Evacuation
• The aircraft came to rest on the runway.
• All 73 passengers and 4 crew members evacuated safely. No injuries were reported.
Investigation and Findings
1. Landing Gear Failure
• The blown left outboard tire caused significant imbalance, leading to vibrations that unlocked the stabilizer brace of the left main gear.
2. Missed Detection
• Neither the blown tire condition nor the runway debris at St. John’s was detected before departure.
3. Engine and Propeller Damage
• The left propeller contacted the runway during the collapse, triggering the engine fire.
4. Emergency Response
• The crew’s actions, including the activation of the fire extinguisher system, prevented the fire from escalating.
5. Canadian TSB Investigation
• The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) classified the event as a Class 3 investigation, focusing on potential improvements in:
• Tire monitoring and maintenance
• Pre-flight and in-flight inspection procedures
Recommendations
1. Pre-flight Inspections
• Enhanced visual and tactile inspections of landing gear and tires prior to departure.
2. Onboard Monitoring Systems
• Implement tire pressure and temperature monitoring systems to detect anomalies during takeoff and flight.
3. Runway Inspections
• Strengthen runway debris inspection protocols at departure airports to identify tire remnants promptly.
4. Crew Training
• Additional training on identifying and mitigating the effects of tire and landing gear failures during flight.
Safety Lessons
This incident highlights the critical importance of tire integrity, landing gear design robustness, and runway debris management. The crew’s quick and professional response ensured a safe outcome despite challenging circumstances.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of January 8th, 2025. For image takedown requests, contact takedown@cockpitking.com. Further updates will follow as more findings emerge.
