Thursday, March 23, 2017

Beech 1900D, North Caribou Air, C-FNCL: Incident occurred March 23, 2017 at Kelowna International Airport (YLW), British Columbia




UPDATE: Noon

A North Cariboo Air aircraft travelling from Victoria was able to land safely at the Kelowna International Airport after having landing gear issues on Thursday.

The aircraft finally touched down at 9:55 a.m. after circling the sky before attempting to land.

“The aircraft circled for about an hour and half to ensure they could get the landing gear down,” said Phillip Elchitz, airport director.

Airport officials were notified at 8:30 a.m. that the plane, which had seven people on board, was having problems.

“There was an indicator on the aircraft that indicates three green, which means all three landing gears are down. When an aircraft does not get those indications there is a potential issue with the landing gear,” said Elchitz.

The pilots were able to get the landing gear down while in the air.

A five-alarm was issued for the airport and four trucks from Kelowna Fire Department, two ambulances, two RCMP vehicles and their own fire crew was all on scene.

“Out of an abundance of precaution we go on what's called standby, our airport response firefighting team gets into position as well as we call for back up from Kelowna Fire department, Lake Country, as well as Ellison,” he said.

Spectators in the airport cheered and clapped when the small plane landed.

Elchitz said this is not a rare occasion but they want to make sure every precaution is met.

UPDATE: 10:10 a.m.

A plane with seven people on board has landed safely after some tense moments.

A North Cariboo Air aircraft, operating on behalf of Pacific Coastal Airlines, touched down safely at Kelowna airport at about 10 a.m.

It was experiencing potential landing gear issues.

UPDATE: 9:50 a.m.

According to officials at Kelowna International Airport, a North Cariboo Air aircraft, operating on behalf of Pacific Coastal Airlines, advised the air traffic control tower there were indications that there could be issues with the landing gear.

Emergency crews are standing by.

The flight originated from Victoria.

ORIGINAL: 9:05 a.m.

Emergency crews are rushing to the Kelowna International Airport.

Details are unclear.

There were tense moments at YLW earlier this month when a small plane reported potential landing gear issues.

Story, video and photo:  https://www.castanet.net

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