A WestJet flight from Toronto experienced a hard landing upon arrival in St. Maarten, Caribbean, on Sunday afternoon, leading to an emergency evacuation but no serious injuries. Canadian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The Boeing 737-800, operating as Flight 2276 with 164 passengers and crew, made contact with the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport in a rough manner. Video footage captured by a local webcam showed smoke billowing from the aircraft after touchdown, indicating potential damage to the landing gear. The plane appeared to bounce and skid down the runway, causing alarm among those on board and observers.
Pilot communications revealed that a mayday was declared immediately after landing, with the pilot stating, “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday; WestJet 2276 will be evacuating.” Emergency slides were deployed swiftly, and all individuals on board were safely evacuated without any reports of injuries. The evacuation was described as orderly despite the chaotic circumstances.
Airport emergency crews responded promptly, spraying foam around the aircraft as a precautionary measure, although no fire was observed. Three people were taken for medical evaluation out of an abundance of caution, but the airline confirmed that no one was harmed. WestJet issued a statement emphasizing passenger safety and cooperation with authorities.
Passengers described the landing as frightening and unexpected. Jacco Steffens, a local livestreamer and former airplane mechanic, witnessed the event and noted, “I said, ‘Something ain’t right,'” observing that the engine seemed to be on the ground, suggesting significant damage beyond a simple tire issue. His livestream captured the dramatic moments, which have since circulated online.
The incident prompted the temporary closure of the airport’s runway, resulting in flight cancellations and leaving some travelers stranded in the Caribbean. Sint Maarten government officials provided most affected passengers with vouchers for hotels, transportation, and meals to assist during the disruption. The airport was scheduled to reopen later on Monday, with operations gradually returning to normal.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is sending investigators to St. Maarten to conduct a thorough examination. They will review flight data, weather conditions, and aircraft maintenance records to determine the cause of the hard landing. The investigation aims to identify any safety issues and prevent future occurrences.
Princess Juliana International Airport is renowned for its challenging low-altitude approaches over Maho Beach, which often attract spectators due to the dramatic visuals. While this adds a unique aspect to the airport, it is not directly linked to this incident, which is being treated as an isolated safety event. Historical data shows that such hard landings are rare but require careful analysis.
With the airport reopened and operations normalizing, the focus now shifts to the TSB’s investigation findings, which may lead to recommendations for improving aviation safety protocols. WestJet has pledged full cooperation and continues to prioritize passenger care, ensuring that those affected receive support. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by aviation authorities worldwide.