ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — A PAL Airlines aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at St. John’s International Airport on Thursday afternoon after experiencing a mid-flight mechanical failure. The incident triggered a massive emergency response, with first responders rushing to the runway as the plane descended.
The flight, which had departed from Happy Valley-Goose Bay earlier in the day, reported serious technical difficulties shortly before reaching its destination. According to audio captured by the aviation tracking website LiveATC.net, a member of the flight crew communicated to air traffic control that the aircraft had lost a wheel during takeoff.
As the plane approached St. John’s, emergency vehicles were deployed to the tarmac in anticipation of a high-risk landing. A CBC News crew stationed near the airport observed the aircraft as it made its final approach, visually confirming that one of the wheels appeared to be missing from the landing gear assembly.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) confirmed that their officers were dispatched to the airport at approximately 4:10 p.m. NT to assist with the emergency. However, the situation was resolved without injury. An RNC spokesperson stated that the plane made a “successful” landing, and police units were dismissed shortly thereafter.
Despite the successful landing, the incident has raised immediate questions regarding the airline’s safety protocols. The St. John’s International Airport Authority declined to provide specific details regarding the emergency, with spokesperson Ryan Howell deferring all media inquiries to the carrier. As of Thursday evening, PAL Airlines had not released an official statement or responded to requests for comment regarding the mechanical failure.
This event marks the second time in less than two weeks that a PAL Airlines flight has been involved in a wheel-related mechanical incident. Just last week, CBC News reported on a separate flight that lost a wheel upon landing in Wabush. That incident prompted concerns among passengers and industry observers, and the repeat occurrence of such a critical equipment failure is expected to draw heightened scrutiny from aviation safety regulators.
The aircraft involved in Thursday’s incident remains on the ground at St. John’s International Airport as authorities and airline maintenance crews begin an assessment of the damage. While the primary objective of ensuring the safety of those on board was achieved, the investigation into why the aircraft suffered such a significant structural failure—and why it happened twice in such a short period—is only beginning.
Further updates are expected as the airline and airport officials release more information regarding the status of the investigation and the fleet.
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