PAL Airlines DHC-8-402 Landing Gear Collapse at Halifax Stanfield International Airport

Occurrence Overview On 28 December 2024, a De Havilland DHC-8-402 aircraft operated by PAL Airlines Ltd. departed St. John’s International Airport (CYYT) in Newfoundland and Labrador for Halifax Stanfield International Airport (CYHZ) in Nova Scotia. During takeoff from CYYT, the left outboard tire failed, leaving fragments on the runway. The tire condition and debris were not noticed during the flight, and the aircraft continued to its destination. ## Landing Gear Collapse After touchdown on Runway 23 at CYHZ, the imbalance from the blown tire produced a vibration that caused the left main landing gear stabilizer brace to become unlocked. This 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 activated the engine’s extinguisher system. ## Evacuation and Investigation The 73 passengers and 4 crew members on board were evacuated with no injuries reported. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is investigating the occurrence. The investigation is classified as a class 3 investigation, which analyzes a small number of safety issues and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. A Safety Advisory Letter, A24A0087-D1-A1, was issued on 11 July 2025.