United Flight UA-2477 Experiences Runway Excursion and Gear Collapse at Houston Airport

A United Airlines Boeing 737-8 Max, with registration N27290, encountered a runway excursion incident upon landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, on March 8, 2024. Flight UA-2477, originating from Memphis, Tennessee, was carrying 160 passengers and six crew members when it veered off the runway and came to a halt on soft ground, resulting in the collapse of the left main landing gear.

The incident occurred at 07:58 local time (13:58 UTC) as the aircraft, having landed on runway 27 and decelerated to taxi speed, attempted a right turn onto the last taxiway. However, the plane skidded, turning only about 45 degrees before it exited the paved surface and stopped on adjacent soft terrain.

One of the passengers recounted that the landing appeared normal until the attempt to exit the runway, suggesting the aircraft might have been moving too swiftly for the maneuver, leading to the skidding, gear collapse, and eventual excursion onto the soft ground. Following the incident, passengers were safely deplaned using stairs and transported to the terminal by bus.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the details of the event, stating that Flight 2477 had departed from Memphis International Airport and that an investigation would be conducted to ascertain the cause of the excursion. The FAA has urged the public to reach out to United Airlines for further information regarding the incident.

In response to the runway excursion, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched an investigation team to Houston’s Intercontinental Airport. The NTSB’s involvement underlines the seriousness of the incident and their commitment to understanding the dynamics that led to the runway departure and ensuring the safety of future flights.

This incident at George Bush Intercontinental Airport marks a significant event that has drawn attention from both aviation authorities and the public. Investigations by the FAA and NTSB are underway to determine the factors contributing to the mishap and to implement necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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