A dramatic scene unfolded at Toronto Pearson International Airport on June 5, 2024, when an Air Canada plane bound for Paris, France, was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after take-off due to a fire in one of its engines. The Boeing 777 aircraft, carrying 389 passengers and 13 crew members, departed from the airport at around 12:17 am (Toronto time) but was quickly forced to return to the airport after flames were spotted shooting out of its engine.
A video taken by a witness showed the fire appearing just moments after the plane left the ground, with the flames continuing to blaze as the plane continued its ascent. The plane’s crew declared a “PAN-PAN” (Possible Assistance Needed) distress signal, and the aircraft was able to land safely back at the airport without any injuries reported.
According to Air Canada, the incident was caused by an “engine issue” involving a “compressor stall,” which can occur when the aerodynamics of the engine are affected. The airline explained that the compressor stall can cause the flow of air through the engine to be disrupted, leading to fuel igniting further down the engine and resulting in visible flames. However, the airline assured that “it is not the engine itself on fire.”
The plane was inspected by airport response vehicles after landing, and it was able to taxi to the gate on its own. The entire incident, from take-off to landing, took just over an hour, according to flight tracker FlightAware.
The incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of safety protocols in the aviation industry. While the emergency landing was undoubtedly a harrowing experience for the passengers and crew on board, the fact that everyone was able to disembark safely is a testament to the quick thinking and professionalism of the pilots and crew.
As the investigation into the incident continues, Air Canada has assured that it is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
In the meantime, passengers who were on board the flight are likely to be shaken by the experience, but grateful that the incident did not have more serious consequences. As the aviation industry continues to evolve and improve, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.