Newly released evidence has shed light on a concerning runway incident involving a United Airlines Boeing aircraft in Texas earlier this year. Surveillance footage and cockpit voice recordings reveal the tense moments as the plane skidded off the tarmac.
The Incident: A Wet Landing Gone Wrong
On March 8, 2024, a United Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX operating a flight from Memphis encountered trouble upon landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The runway was wet, and the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently after touchdown.
The plane veered off the paved surface, skidding onto the grass where it came to rest flat on its wings. Approximately 160 passengers were on board, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The passengers were later forced to disembark using an emergency gate ladder.
Cockpit Audio: A Captain's Distress
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a trove of documents this week, including a transcript of the conversation between Captain Alireza Johartchi, 61, and First Officer Michael Dickson, 39. The audio paints a picture of a pilot in distress immediately after the landing.
As the plane touched down, Johartchi stated, "I'm gonna roll it to the end", but quickly realised the aircraft was not slowing down. The transcript captures his subsequent panic and apologies: "Oh my god, I can't believe that happened... I am so sorry," and "Can't believe I did this."
He repeatedly apologised to his first officer, saying, "Sorry, man, to get you into this mess." Johartchi also expressed concern about the incident spreading on social media, remarking, "Ah we're gonna be all over the social media... frickin’ people man, taking videos." The audio suggests he advised against discussing the event while still on the aircraft.
Investigation Findings and Mechanical Factors
The NTSB's preliminary investigation indicates that the Boeing 737-8 MAX failed to decelerate sufficiently before attempting to exit the runway. A key finding was that the crew inadvertently eased off crucial braking systems.
Investigators determined that the speed brakes retracted after touchdown, which disengaged the automatic brakes. Furthermore, reverse thrust was later reduced, compounding the difficulty in slowing the aircraft on the wet surface.
The plane's left main landing gear left the pavement and struck a recessed concrete structure, resulting in its separation, according to the NTSB's preliminary report. The cause of the incident remains under formal investigation.
This event adds to the scrutiny surrounding Boeing's 737 MAX series and highlights the critical importance of pilot procedures and aircraft systems during adverse landing conditions.
