KELOWNA — A WestJet Dash 8 Q400, travelling eastbound from Kamloops to Calgary landed safely Thurday afternoon after being diverted to Kelowna International Airport with an engine failure.
“It is our understanding it was an engine out, was what the mechanical issue was, but these aircraft are designed to fly on one engine,” said senior manager of airport operations Philip Elchitz.
Elchitz said the plane will undergo repairs in Kelowna.
WestJet said 75 passengers were on board Encore flight 3252. The airline said crews followed standard safety procedures when the mechanical issue arose.
“Efforts are currently underway to reaccommodate all guests on the next available flight to Calgary,” WestJet said in a statement.
“We sincerely apologize to our guests for this inconvenience the diversion has caused and appreciate their patience and understanding as we worked to get them on their way as soon as possible.”
“The bulk of the YLW aircraft rescue firefighting team and the Kelowna Fire Department responded,” said Elchitz. “[They] practice these scenarios on a regular basis, so they responded exactly as expected.”
The plane ran into problems at approximately 3:40 p.m. and landed with one engine in Kelowna at 4:25 p.m.
Video captured by nearby residents shows the plane landing with one engine locked up and some charring.
— Castanet
