Air Transat Flight 236
Steven Meyer • Feb 26, 2024
August 24, 2001. The flight, operated by Canadian airline Air Transat, was en route from Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada to Lisbon Portela Airport in Portugal, with a planned stopover in the Azores, specifically at Lajes Airport on Terceira Island.
The flight was operated by an Airbus A330-200, a twin-engine wide-body aircraft, carrying 291 passengers and 13 crew members. However, halfway through the journey, over the Atlantic Ocean, the aircraft experienced a critical fuel leak, leading to a complete loss of fuel. The incident forced the pilots to execute an emergency glide, making it one of the longest glides in aviation history.
The fuel loss was primarily caused by a fuel leak in one of the aircraft's fuel lines, which was attributed to incorrect maintenance procedures. As the aircraft continued to lose fuel, the flight crew faced a dire situation with limited options. With no reachable airports nearby and the aircraft rapidly losing altitude, the pilots had to make split-second decisions to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
Through exceptional airmanship and quick thinking, the pilots managed to glide the aircraft for approximately 19 minutes and cover a distance of over 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) without engine power. This remarkable feat allowed them to safely land the aircraft at Lajes Airport in the Azores, averting what could have been a catastrophic disaster.
The emergency landing at Lajes Airport was tense but successful, and all passengers and crew disembarked safely. The incident drew significant attention from the aviation community and the media, sparking discussions about aircraft safety, maintenance procedures, and the importance of pilot training in handling emergencies.
In the aftermath of the incident, investigations revealed several maintenance lapses and procedural errors that contributed to the fuel leak. Both Air Transat and the aviation industry as a whole implemented changes to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the importance of rigorous maintenance checks and crew training.
Overall, Air Transat Flight 236 stands as a testament to the skill and professionalism of the flight crew who successfully navigated a harrowing emergency situation, ultimately ensuring the safety of all onboard. It also serves as a reminder of the constant need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in the aviation industry.
Sources: Admiralcloudberg Medium, FAA, Simple Flying, SOFEMA Aviation Services, FSS Aero, Aviation Safety Network
Images: Admiralcloudberg Medium, Flieger News, FAA, Aviation Accidents, Sam H. Collends’ Blog
