Close X
Monday, October 7, 2024
ADVT 
National

Jet That Crashed Short Of Halifax Runway Was Mechanically Sound: Report

The Canadian Press, 16 Jun, 2015 11:49 AM
    HALIFAX — There were no mechanical problems with an Air Canada passenger jet that crashed about 200 metres short of the runway at the Halifax airport in March, the Transportation Safety Board says in a preliminary report released Tuesday.
     
    The independent board issued a statement saying the Airbus 320-200 was correctly configured for landing, its air speed was consistent with a normal approach and there were no mechanical deficiencies with its engines, flight controls, landing gear and navigation systems.
     
    "During the review of the aircraft's maintenance records, no discrepancies were noted," the board said.
     
    However, the board confirmed that the weather was poor at the time.
     
    At 12:15 a.m. local time on March 29, the wind was gusting at 48 kilometres per hour from the north-northwest and forward visibility was 800 metres amid snow and drifting snow, the statement says.
     
    As well, the board says vertical visibility above the ground was just 91 metres.
     
    The jet's flight-data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been examined, but the board says it has yet to look into pilot training, experience and "human performance aspects."
     
    The board's ongoing investigation will also include producing an animation of the flight profile, completing a site survey illustration, examining key aircraft components and reviewing cabin crashworthiness and the passenger evacuation procedures, among other things.
     
    "Should the investigation team uncover a safety deficiency that represents an immediate risk to aviation, the board will communicate without delay so it may be addressed quickly and the aviation system made safer," the board says.
     
    Flight 624 from Toronto had 133 passengers and five crew members on board.
     
    During its approach to Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the aircraft was being guided to Runway 05 by a so-called localizer approach procedure. This procedure provides pilots with only lateral guidance to align the aircraft with the runway, the board said.
     
    As the plane neared the runway at low altitude, its engines severed overhead power lines, cutting power to the airport, and the jet's main landing gear and rear fuselage hit the snow-covered ground about 225 metres before the runway threshold.
     
    The aircraft then struck a localizer antenna and hit the ground in a "nose-down attitude" about 70 metres before the runway threshold, the board says.
     
    "It then bounced and slid along the runway, coming to rest on the left side of the runway about 570 metres beyond the threshold," the report says. "The passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft; 25 people sustained injuries and were taken to local hospitals."
     
    Though the airliner was badly damaged, there was no fire.
     
    A subsequent examination of the fuselage showed the cabin floor had been punctured from below in two places by "aircraft structure."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    B.C. Home Where Allan Schoenborn Killed His Three Children To Be Destroyed

    B.C. Home Where Allan Schoenborn Killed His Three Children To Be Destroyed
    MERRITT, B.C. — The home where a British Columbia man killed his three children nearly seven years ago has been ordered destroyed by a city in the province's Interior.

    B.C. Home Where Allan Schoenborn Killed His Three Children To Be Destroyed

    Spy service to get stronger anti-terror powers under federal bill

    Spy service to get stronger anti-terror powers under federal bill
    OTTAWA — Newly tabled anti-terrorism legislation would give Canada's spy agency more power to thwart a suspected extremist's travel plans, disrupt bank transactions and covertly interfere with radical websites.

    Spy service to get stronger anti-terror powers under federal bill

    Inadequate Design Blamed For Failure Of B.C. Tailings Dam

    Inadequate Design Blamed For Failure Of B.C. Tailings Dam
    VICTORIA — A government-ordered report says a tailings spill at a B.C. mine was caused by an inadequately designed dam that caused its foundation to fail.

    Inadequate Design Blamed For Failure Of B.C. Tailings Dam

    Five things to know about the anti-terrorism measures to be tabled today

    Five things to know about the anti-terrorism measures to be tabled today
    OTTAWA — The Conservative government is poised to introduce anti-terrorism legislation today that will amend existing laws and create new ones. Here are five things you should know:

    Five things to know about the anti-terrorism measures to be tabled today

    Premiers gather in Ottawa to discuss trade, climate, health care

    Premiers gather in Ottawa to discuss trade, climate, health care
    OTTAWA — Climate and energy are in the spotlight today as Canada's premiers discuss an array of issues that also include infrastructure, internal trade barriers and the health-care needs of the country's seniors.

    Premiers gather in Ottawa to discuss trade, climate, health care

    Abbotsford Police Investigating After Cyclist Killed In Apparent Hit And Run

    Abbotsford Police Investigating After Cyclist Killed In Apparent Hit And Run
    ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — Abbotsford Police are investigating after a cyclist was killed in an apparent hit and run. Police were called at about 11:20 p.m. to the 2000-block of Mount Lehman Road, where they found a severely injured man.

    Abbotsford Police Investigating After Cyclist Killed In Apparent Hit And Run