It was an unsettling start for some long weekend travellers aboard Air Canada flight AC130.
The flight from Calgary International Airport bound for Toronto was aborted during take-off after some passengers reported hearing a loud noise while on the runway.
“A really loud boom – everyone thought at first that a tire had popped,” passenger Beth Allan said. “The plane came to a stop very quickly – not abruptly – but we certainly weren’t taking off anymore.”
Allan said flight attendants arranged themselves by the emergency exits while the pilot attempted to calm passengers.
“The pilot – who, by the way, was incredible – came on the PA, very calm, to explain that engine one had a stall and that the fire department was coming out to take a look at it – ‘don’t panic, be calm.’”
Allan said the pilot told them an engine had stalled. Fire crews arrived within minutes.
“There was certainly no dawdling.”
The passengers were eventually escorted back into the airport, where crews were busy arranging alternate flights on a busy travel weekend.
Allan said Air Canada was preparing a new plane, which was expected to take-off for Toronto at 9 p.m.
“I’ll take some deep breaths for sure. I’m not the most confident of the flyers as it is,” Allan said.
Air Canada released the following statement Friday night:
“AC130 stopped prior to take-off due to an engine indication. We can confirm there was no engine fire. We’re now rebooking our customers on new aircraft later tonight. Emergency response were called as a precautionary measure as per standard operating procedures. Our maintenance professionals will now be inspecting the aircraft.”