Causes of Runway Overrun Incidents

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 70 views

Overshot the Runway: Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Runway Overrun Incidents

Runway overrun incidents, also known as overshot landings, are a serious concern for the aviation industry. These incidents occur when an aircraft lands beyond the end of the runway, often resulting in damage to the aircraft and potential harm to passengers and crew. In this article, we will delve into the causes and consequences of runway overrun incidents, as well as the measures being taken to prevent them.

What is a Runway Overrun?

A runway overrun occurs when an aircraft lands beyond the end of the runway, often due to a combination of factors such as excessive speed, inadequate braking, or poor weather conditions. This can result in the aircraft crashing through obstacles such as buildings, trees, or other aircraft, or coming to rest in a nearby area.

Causes of Runway Overrun Incidents

There are several factors that can contribute to runway overrun incidents. Some of the most common causes include:

Excessive Speed: Landing at too high a speed can make it difficult for the aircraft to stop in time, increasing the risk of a runway overrun.
Inadequate Braking: Failure to properly apply the brakes or inadequate braking performance can also contribute to a runway overrun.
Poor Weather Conditions: Landing in poor weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, or strong winds can make it difficult for the pilot to control the aircraft.
Aircraft Performance: Some aircraft may be more prone to runway overrun incidents due to their design or performance characteristics.
Pilot Error: Pilot error is a common cause of runway overrun incidents, including failure to follow standard operating procedures or failure to properly assess the situation.

Consequences of Runway Overrun Incidents

The consequences of runway overrun incidents can be severe, including:

Damage to the Aircraft: Runway overrun incidents can result in significant damage to the aircraft, including damage to the landing gear, wings, and fuselage.
Injury or Death: In some cases, runway overrun incidents can result in injury or death to passengers and crew.
Disruption to Air Travel: Runway overrun incidents can disrupt air travel, causing delays and cancellations.
Economic Costs: Runway overrun incidents can result in significant economic costs, including the cost of repairing or replacing the aircraft, as well as the cost of medical treatment and other expenses.

Prevention Measures

To prevent runway overrun incidents, several measures can be taken, including:

Improved Pilot Training: Providing pilots with comprehensive training on how to handle emergency situations, including runway overrun incidents.
Aircraft Design and Performance: Designing aircraft with safety features such as advanced braking systems and improved landing gear.
Runway Design and Maintenance: Ensuring that runways are designed and maintained to minimize the risk of runway overrun incidents.
Weather Monitoring: Monitoring weather conditions to ensure that pilots are aware of any potential hazards.
Standard Operating Procedures: Establishing standard operating procedures for pilots to follow in the event of a runway overrun incident.

Real-Life Examples

There have been several notable runway overrun incidents in recent years, including:

1970: United Airlines Flight 227: On January 28, 1970, United Airlines Flight 227, a Boeing 737, overshot the runway at Boston's Logan International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 3 people and injuring 40 others.
2000: Air Transat Flight 236: On August 24, 2001, Air Transat Flight 236, an Airbus A330, overshot the runway at Lisbon's Portela Airport, resulting in the deaths of 2 people and injuring 8 others.
2010: Turkish Airlines Flight 1951: On August 24, 2010, Turkish Airlines Flight 1951, a Boeing 737, overshot the runway at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, resulting in the deaths of 9 people and injuring 61 others.

Runway overrun incidents are a serious concern for the aviation industry, resulting in damage to aircraft, injury or death to passengers and crew, and disruption to air travel. By understanding the causes and consequences of runway overrun incidents, as well as the measures being taken to prevent them, we can work towards making air travel safer for everyone.

Based on our analysis of runway overrun incidents, we recommend the following:

Improved Pilot Training: Provide pilots with comprehensive training on how to handle emergency situations, including runway overrun incidents.
Aircraft Design and Performance: Design aircraft with safety features such as advanced braking systems and improved landing gear.
Runway Design and Maintenance: Ensure that runways are designed and maintained to minimize the risk of runway overrun incidents.
Weather Monitoring: Monitor weather conditions to ensure that pilots are aware of any potential hazards.
Standard Operating Procedures: Establish standard operating procedures for pilots to follow in the event of a runway overrun incident.

By implementing these recommendations, we can work towards reducing the risk of runway overrun incidents and making air travel safer for everyone.
Overshot the Runway: A Q&A Guide to Runway Overrun Incidents

In our previous article, we discussed the causes and consequences of runway overrun incidents, as well as the measures being taken to prevent them. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about runway overrun incidents.

Q: What is a runway overrun?

A: A runway overrun occurs when an aircraft lands beyond the end of the runway, often due to a combination of factors such as excessive speed, inadequate braking, or poor weather conditions.

Q: What are the most common causes of runway overrun incidents?

A: The most common causes of runway overrun incidents include:

Excessive Speed: Landing at too high a speed can make it difficult for the aircraft to stop in time, increasing the risk of a runway overrun.
Inadequate Braking: Failure to properly apply the brakes or inadequate braking performance can also contribute to a runway overrun.
Poor Weather Conditions: Landing in poor weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, or strong winds can make it difficult for the pilot to control the aircraft.
Aircraft Performance: Some aircraft may be more prone to runway overrun incidents due to their design or performance characteristics.
Pilot Error: Pilot error is a common cause of runway overrun incidents, including failure to follow standard operating procedures or failure to properly assess the situation.

Q: What are the consequences of a runway overrun incident?

A: The consequences of a runway overrun incident can be severe, including:

Damage to the Aircraft: Runway overrun incidents can result in significant damage to the aircraft, including damage to the landing gear, wings, and fuselage.
Injury or Death: In some cases, runway overrun incidents can result in injury or death to passengers and crew.
Disruption to Air Travel: Runway overrun incidents can disrupt air travel, causing delays and cancellations.
Economic Costs: Runway overrun incidents can result in significant economic costs, including the cost of repairing or replacing the aircraft, as well as the cost of medical treatment and other expenses.

Q: How can runway overrun incidents be prevented?

A: Runway overrun incidents can be prevented by:

Improved Pilot Training: Providing pilots with comprehensive training on how to handle emergency situations, including runway overrun incidents.
Aircraft Design and Performance: Designing aircraft with safety features such as advanced braking systems and improved landing gear.
Runway Design and Maintenance: Ensuring that runways are designed and maintained to minimize the risk of runway overrun incidents.
Weather Monitoring: Monitoring weather conditions to ensure that pilots are aware of any potential hazards.
Standard Operating Procedures: Establishing standard operating procedures for pilots to follow in the event of a runway overrun incident.

Q: What are some real-life examples of runway overrun incidents?

A: There have been several notable runway overrun incidents in recent years, including:

1970: United Airlines Flight 227: On January 28, 1970, United Airlines Flight 227, a Boeing 737, overshot the runway at Boston's Logan International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 3 people and injuring 40 others.
2000: Air Transat Flight 236: On August 24, 2001, Air Transat Flight 236, an Airbus A330, overshot the runway at Lisbon's Portela Airport, resulting in the deaths of 2 people and injuring 8 others.
2010: Turkish Airlines Flight 1951: On August 24, 2010, Turkish Airlines Flight 1951, a Boeing 737, overshot the runway at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, resulting in the deaths of 9 people and injuring 61 others.

Q: What can passengers do to stay safe during a runway overrun incident?

A: Passengers can stay safe during a runway overrun incident by:

Following Safety Instructions: Following the safety instructions provided by the flight attendants and pilots.
Wearing Seatbelts: Wearing seatbelts at all times during the flight.
Staying Calm: Staying calm and following the instructions of the flight attendants and pilots.
Following Emergency Procedures: Following the emergency procedures outlined in the safety briefing.

Based on our analysis of runway overrun incidents, we recommend the following:

Improved Pilot Training: Provide pilots with comprehensive training on how to handle emergency situations, including runway overrun incidents.
Aircraft Design and Performance: Design aircraft with safety features such as advanced braking systems and improved landing gear.
Runway Design and Maintenance: Ensure that runways are designed and maintained to minimize the risk of runway overrun incidents.
Weather Monitoring: Monitor weather conditions to ensure that pilots are aware of any potential hazards.
Standard Operating Procedures: Establish standard operating procedures for pilots to follow in the event of a runway overrun incident.

By implementing these recommendations, we can work towards reducing the risk of runway overrun incidents and making air travel safer for everyone.