Report: Jet that left runway may have been going too fast
The airplane that went off the runway March 8 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston may not have slowed enough when landing on the wet runway, according to a preliminary report.
An investigation was initiated into United Airlines Flight 2477 from Memphis, Tenn., to Houston after the airplane attempted to exit the runway onto the taxiway, but instead left the pavement, going into a grassy area. About 160 passengers evacuated and were taken to the airport terminals with no reported injuries, according to airport officials.
“The plane’s left main landing gear departed the paved surface and contacted a concrete structure that was recessed into the ground, resulting in its separation,” the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report says.
The investigation found that the pilots requested permission to land at runway 27 because another runway they originally expected to use was slippery. The request was approved, and the captain said in the report that runway 27 appeared dry.
However, in the report, the first officer said it appeared wet. The actual conditions being broadcast for the runway at the time signaled it was wet, which could lower the ability to slow down or control the plane’s direction.
“The crew stated that the touchdown was uneventful, at an appropriate speed, and within the touchdown zone,” the report states.
Not too long after touching the ground, the pilot reportedly “retracted the speed brakes,” which disabled the auto brakes. The pilot applied the brakes manually using the toe brakes about 4,000 feet from the end of the runway.
When the plane was about 1,000 feet from the end, the pilot grew concerned that the aircraft’s speed wasn’t decreasing enough and began applying more pressure to the brakes. He attempted to turn onto the taxiway but felt the fuselage and rudder brake pedals shaking violently, according to the report.
The pilot released the brake pressure and the shaking stopped, but when he reapplied the brake pressure, the shaking returned, the report details. The airplane then slid off the runway and went into the grass.
A post-accident examination found that the plane’s left tire hit a large concrete manhole designed as an electrical junction box.
The airplane sustained substantial damage.