A commercial regional jet overshot its designated touchdown zone at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport in Virginia on Wednesday night. The aircraft came to a stop in a safety area at the end of the runway. No injuries were reported among the 50 passengers and three crew members on board. The incident occurred during heavy rain.
Airport officials confirmed that the safety system performed as intended, preventing a more severe outcome. The event caused temporary closures and flight delays at the airport, which continued into Thursday morning.
Key Takeaways
- CommuteAir Flight 4339 overran the runway at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport.
- The incident happened during heavy rainfall on Wednesday night.
- An engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) safely stopped the aircraft.
- No injuries were reported among the 50 passengers and three crew members.
- The EMAS system was upgraded last year and functioned as designed.
- This was the third EMAS save in the U.S. this month.
Details of the Runway Incident
CommuteAir Flight 4339, operating as United Express, arrived at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) at approximately 10 p.m. on Wednesday. The flight originated from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft "landed long" on the runway.
The Embraer 145 regional jet traveled beyond the paved runway surface. It was then safely brought to a halt by an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) bed. This system is located at the end of the runway.
The Role of the EMAS System
Fact: Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS)
An EMAS bed is designed to stop aircraft that overrun a runway. It consists of cellular cement blocks that crush under the weight of an aircraft. This process creates drag, which slows and safely stops the plane. This technology reduces the risk of serious damage or injuries during runway overruns.
Airport spokesperson Alexa Briehl confirmed that the EMAS bed at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport was upgraded last year. She stated in an email that the system "performed as intended" during the incident. The presence and effective operation of the EMAS were crucial in preventing any injuries or significant damage.
No Injuries Reported Amidst Heavy Rain
Sean Frick, executive vice president and chief financial officer for CommuteAir, provided details about the flight. He confirmed that 50 passengers and three crew members were on board the aircraft. The captain reported that there were no injuries among anyone on the plane.
Passengers were transported by bus from the aircraft to the airport terminal. Law enforcement officials released them to go home shortly before midnight. This quick and organized response helped manage the situation efficiently.
"The safety area made of cellular cement blocks meant to slow and stop an aircraft that overruns the runway was upgraded last year and performed as intended," said Alexa Briehl, airport spokesperson.
Weather conditions at the time of the incident included heavy rain. Ms. Briehl confirmed the severe weather in the area. Such conditions can reduce visibility and affect braking performance on runways, increasing the risk of overruns.
Airport Operations and Delays
Following the incident, all runways at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport were temporarily closed. This closure allowed airport staff and emergency services to assess the situation and ensure safety. One runway reopened after midnight for both arriving and departing traffic.
However, the specific runway where the overrun occurred remained closed for further inspection and recovery operations. This partial closure led to continued flight delays at the airport throughout Thursday morning. By Thursday afternoon, most flights were operating on schedule, according to airport officials.
Wider Context of EMAS Saves
Background: EMAS Effectiveness
The incident at Roanoke is not isolated. Engineered materials arresting systems have proven effective in multiple situations across the United States. They serve as a critical safety feature at airports, especially when adverse weather conditions or other factors lead to an aircraft overrunning the runway.
The FAA reported that the Roanoke incident marked the third successful save by an EMAS system this month alone. This highlights the importance and reliability of these safety installations at U.S. airports.
- September 3, Chicago Executive Airport: An EMAS system stopped a Gulfstream G150 business jet. There were two people on board when it overran the runway.
- September 3, Boca Raton Airport: On the same day, a Bombardier Challenger 300 business jet was stopped by an EMAS. Four people were on board when it went beyond the runway during landing.
In both of these previous incidents, no serious injuries were reported. This consistent performance underscores the value of EMAS technology in preventing aviation accidents.
Current Status of EMAS Systems in the U.S.
There are currently 122 engineered materials arresting systems installed at 70 airports across the United States. These systems are part of a broader effort to enhance aviation safety and mitigate risks associated with runway overruns. The FAA continues to advocate for and oversee the implementation of such safety measures.
The successful deployment of the EMAS at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport demonstrates its effectiveness. It also reinforces the importance of ongoing investment in airport infrastructure and safety technologies. These systems provide a vital last line of defense for aircraft during challenging landing conditions.
Local authorities and airline representatives will likely conduct further investigations into the specifics of why Flight 4339 "landed long." This will help identify any contributing factors and inform future safety protocols. The focus remains on ensuring the continued safety of air travel for all passengers and crew.
