Date: December 28th, 2024
Aircraft: de Havilland Dash 8-400
Registration: C-GPNA
Operator: PAL Airlines on behalf of Air Canada
Flight Number: AC-2259
Route: St. John’s, NL (YYT) to Halifax, NS (YHZ), Canada
Occupants: 77 (Passengers and crew)
Injuries: None reported
Damage: Substantial to the left main gear and wing
Status: Under investigation
Incident Summary
On December 28th, 2024, a PAL Airlines de Havilland Dash 8-400 operating as Air Canada flight AC-2259 from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, experienced a left main gear collapse upon landing on Runway 23 at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The left wing made contact with the ground, briefly emitting sparks and fire, as noted by air traffic control and tower personnel. The aircraft was evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Landing:
• The Dash 8-400 approached Runway 23 for a scheduled landing at Halifax. Weather conditions at the time have not been disclosed but will likely factor into the investigation.
2. Landing Gear Collapse:
• Shortly after touchdown, the left main landing gear collapsed. The left wing impacted the ground, producing visible sparks and a brief fire that extinguished quickly.
3. Emergency Declaration:
• The flight crew immediately declared “Mayday, Mayday” and initiated an emergency evacuation.
4. Evacuation:
• Passengers and crew were evacuated using the aircraft’s emergency slides. Emergency services responded promptly, and there were no injuries.
Initial Observations
1. Landing Gear Failure:
• The failure of the left main gear will be the primary focus of the investigation. Potential factors include mechanical fatigue, improper maintenance, or operational stress during landing.
2. Damage Assessment:
• The left wing sustained substantial damage from contact with the ground. Fire damage appears minimal due to the brief duration of flames.
3. Crew and Passenger Safety:
• The swift action of the flight crew ensured the safety of all 77 occupants during the evacuation.
Investigation Focus Areas
1. Landing Gear Mechanics:
• Detailed inspection of the left main landing gear for mechanical or structural defects, including potential pre-existing damage or failure during touchdown.
2. Maintenance History:
• Examination of the aircraft’s maintenance records to identify any overlooked issues, prior defects, or incomplete inspections of the landing gear assembly.
3. Weather Conditions:
• Analysis of weather data at Halifax at the time of landing to determine whether external conditions contributed to the incident.
4. Operational Procedures:
• Review of the flight crew’s handling of the landing and post-incident evacuation to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures.
Safety Recommendations
1. Enhanced Gear Inspections:
• Mandating frequent and rigorous inspections of landing gear assemblies, particularly for regional aircraft operating in varied weather conditions.
2. Landing Stress Training:
• Providing additional training for pilots on managing high-stress landings, particularly under adverse weather or runway conditions.
3. Emergency Response Protocols:
• Emphasizing rapid and effective crew response in emergencies, which played a key role in ensuring no injuries in this incident.
Conclusion
The professionalism and prompt actions of the flight crew ensured the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew despite the significant mechanical failure. The ongoing investigation by Canadian authorities, in collaboration with the airline and manufacturer, aims to uncover the root cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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