On September 8, 2025, a WestJet Boeing 737 suffered a touchdown gear collapse whereas touchdown at Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana Worldwide Airport (SXM), prompting an emergency evacuation of the plane.
The Boeing 737-800 with registration C-GWSR, was working flight WS2276 from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Sint Maarten. After 4 hours and 46 minutes of flight, it touched down on runway 10 at 13:28 native time (17:28 UTC) when the fitting fundamental touchdown gear collapsed.
In line with reviews, the crew managed to maintain the plane aligned on the runway and introduced it to a whole cease, resting on its nostril gear, left fundamental gear, and the fitting engine nacelle.
Evacuation
Emergency slides have been deployed, and all passengers and crew evacuated safely. No accidents have been reported amongst these on board.
Furthermore, the emergency companies responded rapidly, making use of foam across the plane as a precaution. Video footage reveals passengers utilizing the slides to evacuate the plane, with fireplace and rescue automobiles positioned close by.
“WestJet flight 2276, working from Toronto, skilled a tough touchdown upon arrival at Princess Juliana Worldwide Airport (SXM). The plane’s slides have been activated, and all company and crew safely evacuated and have been transported to the terminal. All company are accounted for and there aren’t any reported accidents.
At the moment, we’re awaiting affirmation on the precise nature of the incident. Our groups are targeted on supporting our company and crew, making certain their security and care stay our highest precedence.”
Runway Closure, Flight Disruptions
The runway has been closed following the incident, inflicting a number of flight cancellations and diversions. Delta Air Strains flight from Atlanta and a JetBlue flight from New York-JFK have been diverted to San Juan.
Furthermore, a number of return flights together with KLM flight KL777 to Port of Spain and American Airways flight AA456 to Miami have been delayed.
The reason for the gear collapse shouldn’t be but identified. WestJet acknowledged it’s totally cooperating with native authorities within the investigation.
Featured Picture through Fahad Naim
