WestJet Boeing 737-800 Experiences Landing Gear Collapse at St. Maarten

WestJet Flight Incident at St. Maarten

On Sunday, September 7, a WestJet Boeing 737-800 encountered a major issue when its right main landing gear failed upon landing at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten. The aircraft, supporting itself on its right engine, skidded to a halt. Fortunately, all passengers and crew evacuated safely with no fire outbreak, thanks to rapid deployment of fire suppression foam. The runway was briefly closed but has since reopened for regular operations.

Investigation Underway

The incident is under investigation to determine the cause behind the mechanical failure. The affected aircraft, identified as C-GWSR, is an older model, delivered to WestJet over 16 years ago, according to Planespotters.net. The possibility of parts fatigue or an unusually hard landing is being considered. Dr. Luc Mercelina, Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, commented on the incident, prioritizing the safety and security of airline operations and ensuring a swift return to normalcy.

Significance of Princess Juliana International Airport

Saint Maarten’s airport is recognized for its spectacular photos of planes flying low over Maho Beach during final approaches, making it a popular spot for aviation enthusiasts. The airport can accommodate large jets like the Boeing 747 and Antonov An-124 and boasts proficient emergency response teams as demonstrated during this incident. While speculations about the cause circulate online, including potential pilot error or mechanical failure, official conclusions await the investigation’s results.

WestJet’s Recent Achievements and Challenges

WestJet recently announced its largest order of Boeing aircraft, alongside a record-setting summer travel season. The airline flew over 310,000 passengers internationally on the busiest weekend from August 29 to September 1. Following the focus on fleet modernization, WestJet saw a deal concluded for 60 new Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets and seven 787 Dreamliners, with an option for 25 additional 737s by September 3, 2025.