Final Flight of Air Transat Flight 236: August 31, 2001

On August 31, 2001, the Airbus A330 aircraft involved in the dramatic mid-Atlantic emergency landing on August 24, 2001, completed its final flight from Lajes Air Base, Azores, to Montreal, Canada. This journey marked the culmination of a series of tests to determine the aircraft’s airworthiness following the unprecedented incident known as the world’s longest glide by a commercial airliner.

Context and Incident Overview

Previously, on August 24, Air Transat Flight 236 experienced a complete engine failure over the Atlantic due to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft successfully executed an emergency landing at Lajes Air Base on Terceira Island, in the Azores, Portugal. The incident unfolded after fuel was inadvertently transferred from the tanks due to a maintenance error, leading both engines to fail mid-flight. Captain Robert Piché and First Officer Dirk de Jager skillfully glided the aircraft over 120 kilometers (approximately 75 miles) without engine power, ensuring the safety of all 306 passengers and crew aboard.

Aftermath and Repairs

In the aftermath, the aircraft was subject to thorough inspections and repairs at the Lajes Air Base. Aviation experts and engineers worked diligently to rectify the faults and confirm the A330’s airworthiness. The repairs focused on addressing the fuel line misconfigurations and any structural or mechanical issues that could have arisen from the prolonged glide and landing.

The Flight Back to Canada

The final journey on August 31 was a significant event, marking the functional restoration and certification completion of the aircraft. The flight highlighted the rigorous testing and dedication to ensuring safety standards were met. The plane departed Lajes Air Base for a routine flight to Air Transat’s headquarters in Montreal, as various aviation authorities observed the flight to assess compliance with international safety and operational standards.

Historical Significance

The successful landing and the events leading up to and following the glide were pivotal in prompting changes in industry maintenance practices and procedures. The incident underscored the need for careful oversight in fuel management systems and initiated discussions on emergency preparedness and crew training. This episode in aviation history stands as a testament to procedural diligence and the vital role of pilot training under extraordinary circumstances.