Boeing pilots declare emergency after landing gear failure

In Canada, a Boeing 737 operated by Nolinor Aviation was forced to make an emergency landing at Mirabel Airport in Montreal due to a malfunction of the left landing gear. The incident occurred when the aircraft, carrying 87 passengers and seven crew members, was en route from Quebec City's Jean Lesage Airport to Wabush airport, with a scheduled stop at Saguenay-Bagotville Airport. During the flight, the pilots reported a flap problem and issued a 'Pan Pan' call, indicating an urgent but non-emergency situation. However, as they diverted to Montreal, critical information about the distress situation was not communicated effectively to air traffic control. This oversight led to a chaotic scenario as the flight approached the runway. As the aircraft prepared to land, the pilots made an urgent mayday call for assistance, alerting air traffic control to their worsening condition. Although the pilot initially declined additional support on the runway, smoke began to rise from the aircraft, prompting the controller to dispatch emergency vehicles. Upon landing, the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the left engine of the aircraft to touch the ground. Fortunately, there was no fire, and the smoke quickly dissipated. The Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the incident, noting that the aircraft sustained significant damage. Images from the scene captured the Boeing aircraft heavily leaning on the runway, further emphasizing the severity of the situation. All passengers were eventually transferred to Montreal-Trudeau Airport for their onward journey later that evening, unharmed but undoubtedly shaken by the incident. This incident highlights the importance of clear communication between flight crews and air traffic control. The failure to relay critical information during the emergency could have had severe consequences. As investigations proceed, the aviation industry will likely review protocols to improve response times and ensure that such communication lapses do not occur in future emergencies, reinforcing safety measures for both crew and passengers alike.