What happened to the United Boeing 737 in Houston?

A United Boeing 737-8 MAX skidded off a wet runway after landing in Houston on March 8, 2024, due to issues with deceleration.

What did the pilot say during the United runway incident?

The pilot expressed panic and repeatedly apologized in cockpit audio transcripts released by the NTSB.

Why did the United 737 fail to slow down in Houston?

Investigators found the crew reduced key braking systems like speed brakes and reverse thrust on the wet runway, hindering deceleration.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Pilot's Panicked Words Revealed in Houston Runway Skid

Pilot's Panicked Words Revealed in Houston Runway Skid

2 Jan

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Summary

United Boeing 737 skidded off a wet runway in Houston on March 8, 2024.
Cockpit audio reveals pilot's apologies and distress after the incident.
Crew eased off braking systems, causing the aircraft to fail deceleration.

Pilot's Panicked Words Revealed in Houston Runway Skid

On March 8, 2024, a United Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX veered off a wet runway while landing at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The incident, captured on surveillance footage, showed the aircraft unable to stop in time and skidding into the grass. Approximately 160 passengers were on board the flight from Memphis, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Newly released details from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) include a transcript of cockpit audio. The captain, Alireza Johartchi, expressed significant distress, repeatedly apologizing and stating, "I thought it was gonna stop." Investigators determined the crew inadvertently reduced braking effectiveness by disengaging speed brakes and reducing reverse thrust on the slick surface.