On December 8, 2024, a potentially dangerous situation was averted at Nanaimo Airport when a private plane's landing gear malfunctioned, forcing the pilot to execute an emergency landing. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The incident unfolded around 1:00 PM when the single-engine aircraft struggled with its landing gear during descent. According to Dave Devana, president and CEO of Nanaimo Airport, the aircraft skidded along the runway but came to a halt without causing any harm to the pilot, who was the sole occupant.

"Our emergency response team was able to act quickly. Thankfully, there was no fire, allowing us to remove the plane from the runway promptly, and operations resumed shortly after 3:00 PM," Devana explained.

In the wake of the incident, NAV Canada issued a notice informing other flights to expect delays while the emergency was handled. All incoming flights were placed in a holding pattern until the situation was resolved.

Devana assured that the airport is well-prepared for emergencies, stating, "We have trained firefighters on-site at all times. Our team is trained regularly, with ongoing training in cities like Toronto and Texas, ensuring they are ready for any situation." A dedicated training facility on the premises further enhances their readiness for emergencies. While the recent incident was minor, Devana acknowledged that more serious situations could arise in the future.

This incident comes on the heels of a separate event earlier in September when a small private plane caught fire shortly after landing at Qualicum Beach Airport. Fortunately, both occupants in that case were unharmed.

As air travel continues to increase, safety measures and preparations at local airports like Nanaimo become increasingly important to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew alike. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to prioritize safety while traveling.