United Airlines Pilot Reports Ineffective Brakes Prior to Houston Taxiway Incident

A United Airlines Boeing 737 Max experienced a notable incident last month when it slid off a taxiway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, prompting a preliminary investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Released on Thursday, April 4, 2024, the NTSB’s initial findings reveal the pilot’s observations that the aircraft’s brakes were less effective than usual, leading up to the moment the plane veered into a grassy area adjacent to the taxiway.

The captain described a significant decrease in braking efficiency, noting that both the plane and the brake pedals underwent violent shaking just before the aircraft departed the paved surface. This alarming situation unfolded as the pilots encountered mixed perceptions of the runway’s condition upon breaking through clouds during their final approach. The captain perceived the runway to be dry, while the co-pilot assessed it as wet, contributing to uncertainty in handling the aircraft upon landing.

According to the NTSB report, shortly after touchdown, the captain opted to disable the autobrakes, a decision influenced by the runway’s seemingly dry condition, a desire to minimize runway occupancy time, and a preference for a gradual deceleration to enhance passenger comfort. However, as the aircraft approached the taxiway, an aggressive application of the brake pedals was made in an attempt to steer the plane, culminating in the jet’s slide off the taxiway.

The incident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, notably the detachment of the left main landing gear as the plane impacted a concrete structure at 25 mph (40 kph). Despite the severity of the damage, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew members.

While the NTSB’s preliminary report does not conclusively determine the cause of the March 8 accident, it highlights a sequence of events and pilot actions preceding the taxiway excursion. Investigations by the NTSB typically extend over a year or more before final conclusions are drawn.

This recent mishap is part of a series of events involving United planes that have prompted the airline’s CEO to issue assurances regarding the carrier’s safety standards. As the investigation progresses, further insights are anticipated to shed light on the factors contributing to the incident and any necessary measures to prevent future occurrences.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com