WestJet 737-800 Experiences a Catastrophic Right Main Landing Gear Failure

It’s not uncommon to see an airliner make a hard landing at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in sunny Sint Maarten; however, it’s a little more unusual to watch as the right main landing gear collapses, leaving a WestJet 737-800 sliding across the runway on its belly.

The aircraft involved is a 16.6-year-old 737-800 registered C-GWSR, operating as flight WS2276 from Toronto with 164 people on board. The flight seemed to be uneventful until touchdown, when the right gear collapsed on contact. Videos show the jet sliding on its right engine nacelle as the crew attempted to keep it centered. Emergency crews met the aircraft on the runway and quickly covered the engine and wing with fire-retardant foam. Passengers evacuated on slides, and there were no serious injuries.

The collapse immediately shut down SXM’s only runway, leaving flights stranded until the disabled aircraft could be moved. St Maarten Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina praised the airport fire brigade for their “swift response”, noting that “every measure is being taken to ensure that the airport resumes safe operations as soon as possible. The safety and security of travelers, our aviation personnel, and the general public remain our highest priority.”

The airport added that it was “relieved to report there were no injuries, though three people were taken for medical examination, out of an abundance of caution.” It is now getting help from “local partners and heavy equipment providers to remove the aircraft from the runway safely.”

While some point to parts fatigue as a likely culprit, others suggest the notoriously tricky conditions at SXM may have played a role. Landing at St Maarten requires navigating terrain, getting low over the densely populated Maho Beach, and coming to a stop on the 7,500-foot runway.

The timing is awkward for WestJest, which announced its biggest Boeing order to date just days before. The deal includes 60 brand-new 737 MAX 10s and seven additional 787 Dreamliners, with options for 25 more MAX aircraft. This is part of a fleet renewal strategy aimed squarely at replacing older 737-800s…like the one that just made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

FMI: www.westjet.com