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WestJet 737 Gear Collapse on Sint Maarten Landing Prompts Evacuation of 164

An official investigation is underway into the incident.

Overview

  • The right landing gear collapsed on touchdown Sunday at Princess Juliana International Airport, causing the right engine and wing to strike the runway.
  • Emergency crews applied foam around the aircraft and all 164 people evacuated via slides, with no serious injuries reported.
  • Operations at the single-runway airport were suspended, with flights canceled or diverted to San Juan, before service resumed Monday morning.
  • Images show significant structural damage to the wing and engine area on the 16‑year‑old Boeing 737-800, which remains on the island and has been withdrawn from service.
  • Local aviation authorities have opened a probe and WestJet is reported to be cooperating, while early reports differed on the flight number and registration.