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The Incident: Air Canada Flight 624
On the evening of March 29, 2015, an Air Canada crew was preparing for a routine passenger flight from Toronto to Halifax. However, the weather conditions at Halifax were far from ideal, with light drifting snow and visibility reduced to 1.5 statute miles. The forecast predicted worsening conditions, with visibility potentially dropping to three-quarters of a statute mile just as the flight was set to land.
Preparing for Departure
The pilots knew that they would likely need to land on Runway 05, which lacked an Instrument Landing System (ILS). Instead, they would have to rely on a non-precision Localizer DME approach, significantly increasing their visibility requirements for safe landing.
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The aircraft in use was a 24-year-old Airbus A320, a well-worn machine but still operational. The crew, comprising an experienced captain and first officer, felt confident despite the adverse weather conditions. They decided to uplift extra fuel, just in case.
As the cabin crew prepared the passengers—most of whom were dressed lightly for the winter conditions—the pilots conducted a thorough pre-flight briefing, discussing possible alternate landing sites and potential diversions due to the predicted severe weather.
The Flight Begins
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Flight 624 took off from Toronto at 2205, following the requested route to Halifax. After the ascent, the pilots immediately began strategizing how they would handle the worsening weather conditions during descent. They identified Moncton as a more suitable alternate airport due to Halifax’s deteriorating situation.
Despite their concerns, by the time they approached Halifax, the visibility had dropped to only a quarter of a statute mile, making it impossible to begin their approach safely. However, they received information that another Air Canada flight had successfully landed on Runway 05 after going around on their initial attempt. This motivated them to stay the course and continue collecting weather updates from air traffic control, still hoping to make their landing.
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Entering the Approach
As the flight continued to its final approach, conditions worsened. Ultimately, the pilots were cleared to descend into Halifax when the visibility rose to half a mile. They initiated their final approach, configuring the aircraft for landing. However, the airport's lighting systems were set incorrectly due to prior human error, offering inadequate guidance during crucial landing moments.
As they approached the runway, the first officer urged caution, and both pilots confirmed their visual contact with the approach lights.
The Critical Moment
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At a critical stage during their descent, the autopilot began to drift their aircraft lower than intended. Despite being on the correct approach path, the pilots kept the autopilot engaged while trying to visually interpret what little they could see in the fading light. The captain called for landing at the minimum altitude, but was unaware of how low they had descended compared to their intended approach path.
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In a pivotal moment filled with urgency and fear, the first officer shouted for the captain to pull up just before disaster struck. The aircraft struck power lines just short of the runway, leading to a catastrophic loss of control. The impact tore off the landing gear and damaged critical instrumentation, leading to the aircraft skidding across the runway before coming to rest on its side.
The Aftermath
Remarkably, all passengers and crew managed to evacuate with only minor injuries, thanks partly to their survival training and protocols implemented during boarding. However, some passengers, still inappropriately dressed for the weather, were left vulnerable in the harsh conditions outside.
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The aftermath of the incident prompted an investigation, which identified several critical failures:
The pilots had not verified altitude checks appropriately during the final approach.
The plane’s autopilot was not disengaged when visual references were finally made visible, indicating danger.
The approach lighting was not set at optimal capacity, with incorrect settings reducing the pilots' visual assistance as they neared the runway.
Lessons Learned
The investigation led to significant changes in Air Canada's operating procedures and crew training. New guidelines established requirements for visual reference clarity before pilots could continue their approach, alongside regular altitude checks during descent.
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Additionally, the case highlighted the importance of obeying evacuation protocols and emphasizing appropriate passenger clothing for winter weather. The event served as a potent reminder of the complexities and dangers that can arise during winter aviation operations.
In conclusion, Air Canada Flight 624's harrowing encounter underscores the critical nature of vigilance, communication, and preparation in aviation safety. While the passengers and crew survived under miraculous circumstances, the lessons from this experience remain vital for improving operational protocols in airline travel.