We are learning more about the Air Canada plane that made a fiery landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport over the Christmas holidays.
The DHC-8-402 aircraft operating under Provincial Airlines (PAL) airlines, had trouble with its landing gear when touching down, leading to a fire and an emergency evacuation of nearly 80 passengers.
According to the Transportation Safety Board (TSB), it started in Newfoundland.
TSB says the left tire blew, leaving fragments on the runway, when taking off from St. John’s before heading to Halifax, but it went unnoticed.
“Neither the blown tire nor the tire debris on the runway in St. John’s was noticed during the flight, and the aircraft continued to its destination,” the TSB says in a statement on its website.
This caused a cascading effect leading to a terrifying experience for passengers.
“The blown tire imbalance produced a vibration that caused the left main landing gear stabilizer brace to become unlocked and allowed the left main landing gear to collapse.”
“As the landing gear collapsed, the left propeller contacted the runway surface, resulting in a fire in the left engine. The crew then activated the engine’s extinguisher system.”
There were no serious injuries, but the plane remained on the tarmac for more than 24 hours, shutting down one runway, while officials investigated.
Passengers had to leave their belongings on the aircraft, during this time.
Investigation continues
The federal agency has had many interviews on the matter with more on the way.
In an email to our newsroom, TBS says they are still taking a look at the gear.
“They have also done the initial examination of the aircraft, and they will be doing more detailed examinations on several parts in the coming days.”
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