A United Express regional jet carrying 53 people overshot the runway upon landing at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport on Wednesday evening during heavy rain. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported among the passengers and crew members aboard the flight from Washington Dulles International Airport.
The aircraft, identified as United flight #4339, came to a stop in a specialized safety area at the end of runway 16-34. The incident prompted a temporary closure of all runways, leading to significant flight delays and cancellations the following day. An investigation into the cause is now underway.
Key Takeaways
- A United Express flight with 53 people on board overran the runway at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport.
- No injuries were sustained by passengers or crew during the incident.
- The aircraft was stopped by an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) at the end of the runway.
- Heavy rain was reported at the time, and weather is being considered as a potential factor.
- The incident caused runway closures and significant flight delays for travelers on Thursday.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening as United flight #4339 was completing its journey from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). According to Virginia State Police, the aircraft was unable to stop within the designated runway length and proceeded off the pavement.
Immediately following the event, emergency crews responded to the scene. All 53 passengers and crew members were safely deplaned and transported to the airport terminal. The airport's primary runways were closed for several hours to manage the situation, disrupting normal operations.
What is an EMAS?
An Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) is a safety feature installed at the end of some airport runways. It consists of a bed of crushable, lightweight concrete blocks designed to safely decelerate an aircraft that overshoots the runway, minimizing damage and preventing injuries.
Runway Safety System Proves Effective
Airport officials credited the successful and safe conclusion of the incident to the presence of an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS). Alexa Briehl, the airport's PR, Marketing and Media Manager, explained the system's role in stopping the jet.
The EMAS is a surface composed of approximately 4,000 crushable blocks. When the aircraft's wheels rolled onto it, the blocks collapsed under the weight, creating a controlled drag that brought the plane to a halt. This technology is designed specifically for situations where an aircraft might overrun a runway.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has credited EMAS technology with safely stopping at least 15 aircraft in similar incidents at U.S. airports since 1999, protecting hundreds of passengers and crew members.
Investigation and Weather Conditions
An official investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of the runway excursion. The Virginia State Police is leading the inquiry in collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was also formally notified.
Heavy rainfall was occurring at the time of the landing, and weather is being examined as a significant contributing factor. Wet runways can reduce braking effectiveness and increase the distance required for an aircraft to stop safely.
"So, it was heavy rain at the time of the incident... We do know that there was weather last night and the aircraft ended up in a safe area beyond the runway. We won't have any details on that yet," Briehl stated during a press briefing.
Investigators will analyze flight data recorders, cockpit voice recorders, and maintenance records, as well as interview the flight crew, to build a complete picture of the events leading up to the incident.
Impact on Airport Operations and Travelers
The incident had a direct impact on air travel at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. While the main runway was reopened for flights, runway 16-34, where the incident occurred, will remain closed for an extended period to allow for inspection and necessary repairs to the EMAS.
Travelers flying on Thursday experienced multiple delays and some cancellations. Passengers were advised to check their flight status directly with their airlines before heading to the airport.
One affected passenger, Angelina Baader, described her experience while waiting for her rescheduled flight.
"My flight was supposed to leave at 6 a.m. this morning, but it has been delayed until 9:39 a.m. and is still being delayed. So, I have decided to change my flight because I've been waiting here all morning, and it's a little frustrating, but it's okay," Baader said.
Airport officials indicated that while the most significant delays were expected to be confined to Thursday, the closure of the secondary runway could have lingering effects on airport capacity until repairs are completed.
