A PAL Airlines aircraft operating as Air Canada flight AC2259 experienced a landing gear failure, leading to an emergency landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport on Saturday night. The De Havilland Dash 8-400, traveling from St. John’s to Halifax with 73 passengers, skidded along the runway with sparks and flames visible from the left wing. Passengers reported intense shaking and smoke entering the cabin.
"We saw fire on the left side of the plane, and smoke started coming in the windows," passenger Nikki Valentine told CBC.
Emergency crews responded quickly, ensuring all passengers were safely evacuated without injuries. However, the aircraft could not taxi to the terminal, requiring passengers to disembark via bus. This was confirmed by Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick.