Overview of the Incident
On November 27, 2024, a Nolinor Aviation Boeing 737-400, registered as C-GGWX, encountered a severe mechanical issue during its flight from Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport to La Baie Bagotville-Saguenay Airport. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Montreal Mirabel Airport due to a malfunction in the left main landing gear. This incident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft but, fortunately, none of the 87 passengers onboard were injured.
Details of the Flight and Emergency Response
The flight, designated NRL662, faced a critical situation when the crew received an ‘unsafe gear’ warning during the approach to La Baie Airport. After an unsuccessful attempt to resolve the issue, the decision was made to divert to Montreal Mirabel Airport, approximately 373 kilometers away. The aircraft successfully landed on runway 24 with its left main gear not fully extended, coming to rest on its number one engine cowling. Emergency evacuation procedures were promptly initiated, and all passengers were safely evacuated using emergency slides.
Investigation and Aircraft Recovery
The Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has launched a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the landing gear malfunction. Meanwhile, the aircraft has been removed from the runway and is undergoing detailed inspections to assess the extent of the damage. Given the aircraft’s age of 34.7 years, there is a possibility that it may be declared uneconomic to repair and could potentially be written off.
Implications for Nolinor Aviation
Nolinor Aviation, known for its operations in Northern Canada, including both scheduled and charter flights, primarily to remote airfields, must now scrutinize its fleet maintenance practices. The airline operates a diverse fleet of 14 Boeing 737 aircraft, with varying configurations to serve different operational needs. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous maintenance regimes, especially for older aircraft in challenging operational environments.
Broader Context of Aviation Safety
This incident comes in the wake of another accident involving a Boeing 737-400, which occurred just days earlier in Vilnius, Lithuania. Each of these incidents serves as a critical reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols and regular maintenance checks in the aviation industry, particularly for older aircraft models that might be more susceptible to mechanical failures.