Passengers on PAL Airlines flight AC2259 found themselves shaken but unharmed after experiencing significant turbulence during their approach to Halifax Stanfield International Airport on December 28, 2024. The flight, which originated from St. John's, reported trouble with its landing gear, creating shocking drama upon arrival.
Jordan Kelly, one of the passengers, vividly recalled the harrowing moments just before landing. "I felt kind of insanely shocked because I couldn't believe it was happening. The side of the airplane started dragging, and then sparks and fire started shooting out of the wing of the left-hand side of the plane," he described, reflecting on the surreal experience. Eyewitness reports and videos captured the flames and smoke billowing from the aircraft, making the scene all the more alarming.
Emergency response teams stationed at Halifax were quick to react as the plane skidded down the runway. Halifax airport spokesperson Tiffany Chase noted, "Our emergency response team responded immediately and was able to safely stabilize the aircraft." With everyone safely evacuated, passengers were moved to nearby hangars for medical assessments. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Despite the unsettling experience, passengers managed to maintain composure throughout the ordeal. Kelly commented on his fellow travelers, saying, "Everyone was pretty good at staying calm and getting off. The real Newfoundland optimism there." This sentiment, though admirable, was not enough to alleviate his frustration over the delays following their emergency landing. After deplaning, passengers waited for nearly 45 minutes on the tarmac for transportation, exposed to the elements and without their luggage.
Among the passengers were two rugby teams from Newfoundland and Labrador, en route to Halifax for competition. Coach Morgan Lovell expressed his relief over the safety of the players, stating, "We just wanted to make sure they were as calm and kind of controlled as they could be when we were getting off." He described the team's experience as not only a test of their nerves but also as significant bonding opportunity, saying, "This is an experience which has brought them together, which will obviously promote teamwork and team spirit." The camaraderie observed among the players showcased how adversity can bring cohesion.
While recounting the incident, Lovell mentioned the excellent communication from airport officials, saying they were kept informed of the next steps. He expressed gratitude for the swift action and preparedness of emergency responders, facilitating their successful evacuation.
Once safely away from the plane, Kelly and others reported seeing firefighters respond rapidly, followed by police and medical teams assessing passengers for any distress following the event. "The response was quick, and firefighters were on the scene fast," Kelly noted, adding his appreciation for the team effort from emergency services amid frightening circumstances.
Despite the challenges faced on the tarmac, the incident did not overshadow the swift assistance from the community, particularly as Lovell recounted how various teams from neighboring provinces reached out to offer their supplies post-incident. "It’s pretty cool to see people from the rugby community kind of helping each other out," he said, highlighting the willingness of others to stand together during difficult times.
The Airport's operations resumed after the initial chaos, with flights gradually returning to normal, albeit with operational challenges caused by weather. The Transportation Safety Board began its investigation to determine the factors behind the landing gear failures.
Reflecting on the experience, Lovell concluded, "Obviously there could have been a much nastier outcome. So I think the overriding emotion coming out of it was we were happy to have gotten out of the situation and got through it." Such statements speak volumes about human resilience and the importance of unity and support during stressful times, reminding everyone of the value of safety during travel.
Looking back, both Kelly and Lovell can see how the incident, though frightening, provided them with valuable lessons about composure, cooperation, and community spirit—lessons they will likely carry with them long after their travel experience is over.