Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) reopened early Monday afternoon, close to 24 hours after shutting down when the landing gear of a WestJet plane collapsed while touching down, causing it to skid and come to a stop on the runway with its right engine dragging over the asphalt. A specialised recovery team was on site to complete the stranded aircraft’s removal, which involved transferring fuel from the right-wing tank in preparation to lift the aircraft with tug and flatbed equipment.
As many have noted, the most important thing remains that nobody got badly hurt, although three persons were subjected to a cautionary medical evaluation. The evacuation procedure was smoothly executed with help of both crew and airport staff, while a check of the ramp showed only scrapes.
There was financial damage, of course, as well as inconvenience. Arriving flights had to be diverted and departing ones cancelled on a usually busy day.
Incoming as well as outgoing passengers were thus affected. The same goes goes for airlines, hotels and others, but all did their part to accommodate related stranded travellers either here or elsewhere.
The incident even made US network ABC’s main national Monday evening newscast with David Muir. The latter should not be considered bad publicity because this was clearly a mechanical breakdown for which the destination in any case carries no blame.
As to exactly how it could happen and whether a lack of maintenance or timely inspections at the Canadian carrier may have been involved will be up to experts to determine. However, SXM’s emergency response appears to have been executed in a satisfactory manner.
One sometimes can’t help but wonder why more similar incidents that are common around the world actually don’t take place at such a relatively busy airport for the island’s size, especially during peak periods in the weekend. So, if something had to happen, let’s all just be glad it was this.
