A WestJet plane experienced a hard landing at the Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten on Tuesday, causing damage to the aircraft and leaving passengers shaken.
According to a statement from the airline, flight WS2702 from Toronto to Sint Maarten landed safely but encountered a “hard landing” upon touchdown. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft sustained damage to its left main landing gear and wing, but all 213 passengers and crew members on board were safely evacuated.
Passengers on the flight described a tense and chaotic scene as the plane touched down. One passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, told Global News that the landing was “very rough” and that there was a loud noise upon impact.
Another passenger, who was traveling with her husband and two children, said that the plane “bounced” upon landing and that there was a “scary moment” when the aircraft veered off the runway.
The airport’s emergency services responded immediately and all passengers were safely evacuated from the plane. No injuries were reported.
WestJet has confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway and that the airline is cooperating with local authorities. The airline also stated that they are providing support to passengers and crew members who were on board the flight.
The Princess Juliana International Airport is known for its challenging approach, as planes must fly low over a popular beach before landing on a short runway. This has led to several incidents in the past, including a fatal crash in 2017.
Passengers on the affected WestJet flight were accommodated in hotels and were scheduled to depart for their final destination on Wednesday.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in air travel and the swift response of emergency services in such situations. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
