The Miraculous Landing of Air Transat Flight 236 - A Tale of Survival

TLDRAir Transat Flight 236, flying over the Atlantic Ocean, loses fuel due to a fuel leak, leading to both engines shutting down. The pilots make a miraculous landing on a single attempt, saving all 306 people on board.

Key insights

🛬Air Transat Flight 236 experienced a fuel leak, causing both engines to shut down.

🧑‍✈️Captain Robert Piché, with exceptional airmanship, managed to glide the plane safely to a landing.

🌊The landing was challenging and involved a series of maneuvers to lose altitude and overcome obstacles.

🔎Maintenance staff's poor practices and the crew's failure to recognize the fuel leak were identified as contributing factors.

💰Air Transat was fined $250,000, and Captain Piché received recognition for his remarkable achievement.

Q&A

What caused the fuel leak on Air Transat Flight 236?

The fuel leak was caused by poor maintenance practices by Air Transat's maintenance staff.

How did the pilots manage to land the plane without engines?

With exceptional skill and airmanship, Captain Robert Piché glided the plane safely to a landing.

Were there any casualties or injuries?

14 passengers and 2 crew members received minor injuries, while 2 passengers suffered severe injuries during the evacuation.

Did Air Transat face any consequences for the accident?

Air Transat was fined $250,000, the largest fine in Canadian history at the time.

Was Captain Robert Piché recognized for his actions?

Yes, Captain Piché received the Superior Airmanship Award for his extraordinary feat.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Air Transat Flight 236, piloted by Captain Robert Piché and First Officer Dirk DeJagger, experiences a fuel leak over the Atlantic Ocean.

12:51With both engines shut down, the plane becomes a glider, and Captain Piché skillfully maneuvers it towards a landing.

15:29Captain Piché conducts 360-degree turns and S-turns to lose altitude and reach the runway.

16:01During the landing, the plane bounces and the landing gear ruptures, but all 306 people on board survive.

17:07Investigation reveals poor maintenance practices and a failure by the crew to recognize the fuel leak.