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Runway excursion

A runway excursion is an aviation incident in which an aircraft unintentionally departs the edges or overruns the end of a designated runway surface during takeoff or landing.^[1]^[2] These events are classified into two primary types: veer-offs, where the aircraft deviates laterally from the runway centerline, and overruns, where it continues past the runway threshold.^[1]^[2] Runway excursions pose a major risk to aviation safety, representing a leading cause of accidents and serious incidents globally.^[2] As of 2023, from 2017 to 2023, they accounted for 12% of all accidents involving scheduled aircraft operations, resulting in 119 fatalities.^[2] Over the decade from 2015 to 2024, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that runway excursions comprised 21% of the aviation industry's total accidents; in 2024 alone, there were 10 such accidents, the second most common type.^[3] In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) documents approximately 10 runway overrun incidents or accidents annually, with varying degrees of severity including potential for hull loss and injuries.^[1] Key contributing factors include unstabilized approaches, such as excessive airspeed or high rates of descent, adverse weather conditions like wet or contaminated runways that reduce braking effectiveness, and environmental elements including tailwinds, which can increase landing distance by 21% for every 10 knots.^[1]^[2] Other common causes encompass pilot handling errors, non-adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), wildlife strikes, and loss of situational awareness.^[2] Operational variables, such as high aircraft weight, elevated airport altitudes, or downhill runway slopes, further exacerbate risks by extending required stopping distances.^[1] Prevention strategies emphasize proactive risk management through regulatory guidance, enhanced pilot training in areas like approach and landing risk reduction (ALAR), threat and error management (TEM), and crew resource management (CRM).^[1]^[2] Aviation authorities recommend conducting takeoff and landing performance assessments with a 15% safety margin, utilizing runway condition assessment matrices (RCAM) for accurate braking reports, and promoting go-around decisions for unstabilized approaches.^[1] Collaborative efforts, including flight data analysis programs and aerodrome safety assessments, support ongoing mitigation worldwide.^[2]

Definition and Classification

Definition

A runway excursion is defined as an event in which an aircraft unintentionally departs the paved surface of a runway during the takeoff, landing, or rejected takeoff phases of flight, excluding deliberate departures such as those occurring during taxi operations.^[4]^[5] This definition aligns with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which describes it as a veer-off or overrun from the runway surface.^[6] Note that while ICAO emphasizes departures from the runway surface during takeoff or landing, broader analyses by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) may include taxiway excursions. This phenomenon is distinct from a runway incursion, which refers to any occurrence involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a runway or its associated safety zones, potentially leading to a collision risk.^[7]^[8] Runway excursions predominantly occur during the landing phase, based on data from global aviation safety analyses up to 2024.^[9] Key terminology includes the runway edges, which demarcate the limits of the paved runway surface, and the runway safety area (RSA), a cleared and graded zone surrounding the runway designed to minimize damage in the event of a departure.^[10] Aviation authorities like ICAO and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classify these events to support safety investigations and prevention efforts.^[6]^[4]

Types

Runway excursions are primarily categorized into two main types based on the direction of departure from the runway: veer-off and overrun. A veer-off involves a lateral departure of the aircraft from the side of the runway surface, typically resulting from a loss of directional control during takeoff or landing, which may lead to collision with adjacent terrain, obstacles, or structures. According to an analysis by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) of commercial jet accidents from 2010 to 2014, veer-offs accounted for 53% of runway excursions.^[11] An overrun, in contrast, is a longitudinal departure where the aircraft continues beyond the end of the runway, often at higher speeds due to insufficient deceleration during landing or acceleration during takeoff. Overruns are subdivided by phase of flight, with the majority occurring during landing; IATA data indicates that approximately 87% of all runway excursions happen on landing, and nearly all overruns (92% in the studied period) take place in this phase.^[11] Runway excursions are further classified by severity according to whether the aircraft remains within designated safety zones. Minor excursions occur entirely within the Runway Safety Area (RSA) or Runway End Safety Area (RESA), as specified in ICAO Annex 14, where the areas are engineered to allow deceleration without significant damage. Major excursions extend beyond these zones, increasing the potential for structural damage, injury, or fatalities; the RESA, for instance, is intended to mitigate risks from overruns and undershoots by providing a clear, graded surface abutting the runway strip.^[12]

Causes

Environmental factors

Wet or contaminated runways significantly contribute to runway excursions by reducing tire-road friction, leading to decreased braking effectiveness during landing or takeoff. Contaminants such as standing water, snow, slush, or ice create a hydroplaning effect or slippery surface. According to FAA guidelines, a runway is considered contaminated when water depth exceeds 3 mm (1/8 inch), impairing tire contact with the pavement and increasing the likelihood of overruns, which are more common in such conditions.^[13]^[14] Visibility issues from fog, heavy rain, or wind shear further exacerbate the risk by impairing pilots' ability to maintain directional control during critical low-speed phases of flight. Wind shear—sudden changes in wind speed or direction—can cause airspeed fluctuations leading to excursions.^[14] Rain not only lowers visibility but also compounds surface contamination, creating a synergistic effect on excursion rates.^[15] The proximity of unfavorable terrain and obstacles beyond the runway safety area (RSA) can severely worsen excursion outcomes by limiting deceleration space or introducing collision hazards. RSAs, typically 300 meters (1,000 feet) long and 150 meters (500 feet) wide per FAA standards for many runways, are designed to be clear of obstacles, but terrain features like ditches, hills, or structures encroaching on this zone can turn a minor veer-off into a catastrophic event.^[10] For instance, down-sloping terrain or nearby obstructions heighten impact risks if an aircraft departs the runway end.^[16] Climate trends linked to global warming are amplifying these environmental risks, with heavier rainfall and more frequent extreme weather events potentially contributing to increased runway contamination and flooding in vulnerable regions. ICAO reports highlight intensified precipitation patterns as a risk factor for airport operations, including potential impacts on runway conditions.^[17] Strengthened jet streams and altered storm frequencies further elevate wind shear occurrences, underscoring the need for adaptive safety measures in affected areas. As of 2024, ICAO data indicates runway excursions accounted for 5% of global aviation accidents, with weather remaining a key contributing factor.^[9]

Human and operational factors

Pilot errors are a leading contributor to runway excursions, often involving misjudgments during critical phases of takeoff or landing. Common issues include incorrect speed management, such as landing with excessive speed leading to overruns, delayed or improper braking applications, and loss of directional control due to overcorrection on slippery surfaces. According to an analysis of 28 runway excursion incidents in Taiwan from 1998 to 2022 using a modified Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS), skill-based errors accounted for 16.1% of causal factors, while decision errors, such as failing to execute a go-around from an unstable approach, contributed to 12.8% of occurrences; notably, 57% of these excursions were linked to unstable approaches, which frequently result from speed mismanagement or delayed braking.^[18] The Flight Safety Foundation's data on business aviation from 2017 to 2022 further indicates that 65% of landing overruns followed unstable approaches, underscoring how pilot decisions amplify risks during high-workload scenarios.^[19] Air traffic control (ATC) contributions to runway excursions typically arise from procedural lapses that indirectly heighten operational pressures on flight crews, particularly in adverse conditions. Inadequate spacing between aircraft or issuing clearances without fully accounting for low-visibility operations can force pilots into rushed or suboptimal landings, increasing the likelihood of excursions. For instance, SKYbrary highlights that ATC errors, such as providing imprecise wind or runway condition reports, have factored into excursions by misleading crews on available performance margins; training protocols emphasize ATC awareness of excursion risks tied to wind shear or contamination during such operations.^[20] While direct ATC causation is less common than pilot deviations, these errors compound human factors when combined with environmental triggers like wet runways. Operational decisions at the organizational and crew level often precipitate excursions through oversight in planning and execution. Selecting contaminated runways without viable alternatives or conducting operations beyond calculated performance limits due to improper weight and balance assessments can critically reduce stopping distances. The Flight Safety Foundation reports that inadequate performance calculations, ignoring surface contamination, contributed to multiple excursions in corporate operations, where mission pressure overrides conservative planning.^[19] SKYbrary's guidance stresses accurate weight determinations and ambient condition reporting as essential to prevent such decisions from leading to veer-offs or overruns.^[5] Fatigue and training deficiencies further exacerbate human and operational vulnerabilities, as analyzed through the HFACS framework, which categorizes failures across organizational, supervisory, and individual levels. Crew resource management (CRM) breakdowns, such as poor communication during approach monitoring, accounted for 10.7% of factors in runway excursions, often stemming from inadequate training on high-stress scenarios.^[18] Similarly, supervision gaps, including insufficient recurrent training on contaminated runway handling, contributed to 12.0% of incidents, while fatigue-related adverse mental states, though less quantified, impair judgment in prolonged operations. The HFACS model reveals that these systemic issues underlie a significant portion of human-contributed aviation occurrences, highlighting the need for enhanced fatigue risk management and CRM protocols to mitigate excursion risks.^[21]

Mechanical and aircraft factors

Mechanical and aircraft factors encompass technical malfunctions inherent to the aircraft that can compromise directional control or deceleration during critical phases of takeoff or landing, leading to runway excursions. These issues are distinct from environmental or human-induced causes and often involve failures in systems designed to maintain stability and stopping performance. Brake and tire failures represent a key mechanical contributor to runway excursions, particularly through hydraulic system leaks, fluid contamination, or overheating that results in reduced or asymmetric braking action. Such failures can cause the aircraft to veer off the runway due to uneven deceleration on one side, especially during landing or rejected takeoffs. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Runway Safety Accident Analysis Report, brake and tire issues accounted for approximately 3% of runway safety accidents between 2010 and 2014, with a higher incidence in veer-off events at 7%.^[11] Overheating, often exacerbated by high-speed rejected takeoffs, can lead to brake fade, where friction diminishes and tire bursts occur from excessive heat buildup.^[22] Engine thrust asymmetry during takeoff is another critical factor, where unequal power from engines—due to flameouts, bird strikes, or mechanical faults—generates a yawing moment that pilots must counteract to prevent veer-offs. Bird strikes, for instance, can ingest debris into engines, causing sudden power loss on one side and directional instability at low speeds when rudder authority is limited. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) identifies forward thrust asymmetry as a precursor to veer-off excursions on takeoff, regardless of whether the cause is technical failure or misapplication.^[22] IATA data similarly attributes 3% of runway safety accidents to engine powerplant malfunctions, with 5% involvement in veer-off incidents.^[11] Landing gear problems, such as collapsed struts or steering system malfunctions, can precipitate excursions by impairing directional control or load distribution upon touchdown. Nose gear steering failures, for example, limit the pilot's ability to maintain runway alignment during deceleration, often leading to veer-offs on landing. The EASA highlights steering system malfunctions as a direct precursor to loss of lateral control in takeoff and landing scenarios.^[22] Gear-related issues, including tire or strut failures, contributed to 3-5% of runway excursions in IATA's analysis of landing events.^[11] Weight and balance errors, often stemming from overloading or incorrect cargo placement, adversely affect aircraft deceleration by altering the center of gravity (CG) and increasing the required stopping distance. An aft CG, for instance, reduces elevator effectiveness during rotation but can overload the tail during braking, while excess weight demands greater friction for stopping. The Flight Safety Foundation emphasizes that performance calculation errors related to weight and CG are significant risk factors in takeoff excursions.^[23] To contextualize, the basic physics of required runway length for deceleration from touchdown speed V approximates the ground roll distance as s = \frac{V^2}{2 \mu g}, where \mu is the runway friction coefficient (typically 0.3-0.5 for dry conditions) and g is gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²); overloading increases effective mass, thus extending s if \mu remains constant. EASA notes that CG out-of-limits due to loading errors is a precursor to overruns in rejected takeoffs and continued takeoffs.^[22]

Consequences

Safety impacts

Runway excursions pose significant risks to human life, with fatality rates typically ranging from 5% to 10% of all such incidents, depending on the type and circumstances. Landing overruns are particularly deadly, often involving high-speed impacts with terrain or obstacles that increase the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes. According to Boeing's analysis of commercial jet operations from 2015 to 2024, there have been several fatal runway excursions resulting in significant onboard fatalities.^[24] IATA reports indicate that runway excursions accounted for 21% of total aviation accidents over the 2015-2024 period, with 8 fatal cases in a sample of 104 excursions from 2014 to 2023, underscoring their role as the fourth leading cause of fatalities in commercial aviation.^[25] These figures are as of 2024; no major fatal runway excursions were reported in 2025 as of November. Injuries in runway excursions commonly arise from rapid deceleration forces during the event or subsequent collisions, as well as from evacuation processes. Passengers and crew may sustain spinal injuries, particularly compression fractures in the thoracic or lumbar regions, due to sudden stops or awkward positioning during emergency slides. For instance, in cases involving overruns, impact forces exceeding 10-15 g have been linked to vertebral damage, exacerbating risks during rapid evacuations. Veer-offs tend to produce more lateral impacts, leading to patterns of rib fractures, concussions, and soft tissue injuries from aircraft rotation or side-slipping.^[26]^[27] Aircraft integrity is frequently compromised in runway excursions, resulting in structural damage that can escalate hazards. Overruns may cause undercarriage collapse or fuselage breaches upon hitting barriers, while veer-offs often damage wings or engines through contact with uneven terrain or obstacles. These impacts heighten fire risks, as ruptured fuel tanks can ignite upon sparking, leading to rapid post-crash fires that threaten occupants even in survivable excursions. Such damage not only renders the aircraft a hull loss in many cases but also complicates rescue efforts by destabilizing the structure.^[24]^[28] Immediate emergency response is critical to mitigating safety impacts, guided by ICAO standards outlined in Annex 14 for aerodrome rescue and fire-fighting (ARFF) services. Airport rescue teams must respond within specified times—typically 2-3 minutes for initial arrival—to suppress fires and assist evacuations, using specialized vehicles and agents to control fuel-fed blazes. Evacuation procedures, as per ICAO Annex 6 and operator-specific protocols, emphasize quick disembarkation via slides or doors, with crew training focused on handling deceleration-induced injuries and terrain hazards post-excursion. Effective coordination between ARFF and air traffic control ensures timely access, significantly improving survival rates in non-fatal incidents.

Economic and environmental effects

Runway excursions impose significant direct economic costs on the aviation industry, primarily through aircraft damage and operational disruptions. Repairing affected aircraft can cost between $10 million and $50 million per incident, depending on the extent of structural, mechanical, and avionics damage sustained during overruns or veer-offs.^[29] Additionally, runway closures following an excursion to assess and repair damage lead to flight delays and cancellations, with unexpected closures estimated to cost the industry up to $4.2 billion annually based on 2016 data, including impacts from accidents like excursions.^[30] These closures can halt operations for hours, amplifying losses through grounded aircraft and rerouted traffic. Indirect costs further compound the financial burden, encompassing increased insurance premiums, legal litigation, and lost revenue from disrupted schedules and grounded fleets. For instance, excursions often trigger claims that raise premiums across operators, while litigation from property damage or operational fallout can extend for years. Runway excursions represent a persistent economic strain on airlines and airports worldwide. Environmentally, runway excursions can result in fuel spills or fires that contaminate soil and water sources, necessitating extensive cleanup under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for oil spill response. These spills release hydrocarbons into the ecosystem, potentially disrupting wildlife habitats near airports. Cleanup efforts involve specialized absorbents and monitoring to prevent long-term ecological harm, often costing millions and requiring coordination with environmental regulators.^[31] In the regulatory aftermath, excursions typically prompt temporary airport shutdowns for safety inspections, alongside audits by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to evaluate compliance and operational risks. These investigations can lead to imposed restrictions, such as reduced runway capacity or mandatory infrastructure reviews, as seen in FAA responses to recent surface events that include data analysis for mitigation. ICAO's Global Runway Safety Action Plan further supports post-incident reviews to align with international standards, potentially resulting in operational limitations until resolved.^[6]

Prevention and Mitigation

Infrastructure enhancements

Infrastructure enhancements to runways and adjacent areas play a crucial role in mitigating runway excursion risks by providing greater physical margins for aircraft operations, particularly during takeoff and landing phases where deviations are most likely. These modifications focus on expanding usable surfaces, improving traction under adverse conditions, and ensuring clear zones free from hazards, aligning with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).^[32] Runway widening increases the lateral margins available to pilots, reducing the likelihood of veer-off excursions. ICAO Annex 14 specifies minimum widths based on aerodrome reference code, with code 4 precision instrument runways requiring at least 60 meters to accommodate large aircraft, though some airports have expanded to 75 meters or more for enhanced safety buffers.^[33] Following high-profile runway excursion incidents in the early 2000s, such as those analyzed in global safety reviews, major airports like those in Europe and North America undertook widening projects to exceed baseline standards, providing additional space for corrective maneuvers during crosswind operations or directional control issues.^[34] To address overrun risks, especially on wet runways where braking distances can increase by up to 15-20%, runway extensions lengthen the paved surface to at least 3,000 meters, allowing for safer deceleration margins. ICAO guidelines emphasize performance-based design, recommending extensions tailored to aircraft requirements under contaminated conditions. Complementing these are Runway End Safety Areas (RESAs), which must extend at least 90 meters beyond the runway strip end for code 3 and 4 runways, with a preferred length of 240 meters and widths matching the runway strip (typically 150 meters for code 4). These areas are graded and cleared to support an aircraft's weight without significant damage, effectively acting as overrun buffers.^[12]^[35] Surface treatments enhance traction and drainage to counteract hydroplaning and reduced friction on wet pavements, a leading factor in over 50% of excursions. Transverse grooving, with channels spaced 3.8 cm (38 mm or 1.5 inches) apart and 0.64 cm (6.4 mm or 0.25 inches) deep, channels water away from tires, improving braking by up to 30% compared to ungrooved surfaces. Porous friction courses (PFCs), consisting of open-graded asphalt permeable to water, allow rapid drainage and maintain friction coefficients above 0.5 even with standing water less than 3 mm deep. Additional drainage systems, such as longitudinal slopes of 1-1.5% and subsurface pipes, further prevent water accumulation, ensuring runways remain operational in rainfall exceeding 15 mm/hour.^[36] Obstacle clearance in safety areas has been refined through ICAO Annex 14 Amendment 18, adopted on 28 March 2025 and applicable from 21 November 2030, which restructures obstacle limitation surfaces (OLS) into obstacle-free surfaces (OFS) and obstacle evaluation surfaces (OES) for targeted protection. This update mandates removal or mitigation of terrain, structures, or vegetation penetrating these surfaces within RESAs and runway strips, with slopes as low as 1:5 for approach areas to minimize excursion consequences. For instance, the new Surface for Straight-In Instrument Approaches (SIIA) ensures clear zones up to 45 meters height, enhancing safety for precision operations. These changes build on prior standards by prioritizing high-risk zones, reducing potential collision hazards during deviations.^[37]

Technological interventions

The Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS) consists of crushable, lightweight cellular cement blocks installed at runway ends to absorb an aircraft's kinetic energy during overruns or veer-offs by deforming under the landing gear, thereby decelerating the aircraft more rapidly than traditional grass or gravel safety areas.^[38] Designed primarily for aircraft entering at speeds of 70 knots or less, EMAS beds typically span 100 to 200 meters in length, allowing stops within this constrained space while minimizing damage to the airframe and injury to occupants.^[39] As of September 2025, over 120 EMAS installations exist at more than 70 U.S. airports, with recent successes including three aircraft stops in a single month that year, demonstrating their role in enhancing runway end safety where space is limited.^[40] Aircraft-integrated flight systems provide automated alerts and controls to mitigate excursion risks during landing and takeoff. The Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), mandatory on commercial aircraft, incorporates features like SmartRunway and SmartLanding, which use GPS and runway database information to warn pilots of potential overruns, veer-offs, or incorrect runway alignments by providing aural and visual cues up to 1.5 nautical miles from the threshold.^[41] Autobraking systems automatically apply wheel brakes at predetermined deceleration rates upon touchdown, with selectable settings for dry, wet, or contaminated runways to optimize stopping performance and reduce pilot workload; for instance, higher settings on wet surfaces can shorten required runway length by 10-15% compared to manual braking.^[42] Thrust reversers, which redirect engine exhaust forward to augment braking, are particularly effective on contaminated runways, contributing up to 20-30% of total deceleration when deployed promptly after spoilers, though their use is minimized on dry surfaces to preserve engine life.^[43] Ground-based aids enhance situational awareness and surface condition assessment to prevent excursions in adverse conditions. Runway friction measurement devices, such as continuous friction measuring equipment (CFME) approved by the FAA and ICAO, use self-wetting wheels to quantify skid resistance on contaminated surfaces, providing real-time mu-values (friction coefficient) that inform pilots of braking performance via NOTAMs; for example, readings below 0.30 indicate poor friction, prompting adjusted landing speeds.^[44] Advanced runway lighting systems, including high-intensity edge lights, centerline lights, and touchdown zone lighting, are activated during low-visibility operations to delineate the runway environment, enabling Category II/III instrument approaches down to 100-foot runways visual range while reducing veer-off risks by improving pilot depth perception and alignment.^[45]^[46] Emerging technologies leverage artificial intelligence for proactive excursion risk mitigation. AI-driven predictive analytics, integrated into platforms like Boeing's experimental machine learning systems and Airbus's Skywise data ecosystem, analyze real-time flight parameters, weather, and historical incident data to forecast overrun probabilities, issuing cockpit alerts for go-around decisions; Boeing's 2025 demonstrations focused on automated taxiing and runway safety enhancements, while Airbus trials in 2024-2025 used AI to identify anomalous patterns in landing data, potentially averting excursions by up to 20% through early warnings.^[47]^[48] Ground proximity systems like Honeywell's Surf-A, expected to be certified in 2026, extend EGPWS capabilities with ADS-B data to predict excursions and incursions, trialed across major carriers to provide trajectory-based alerts during low-visibility approaches.^[49]

Assessment and training protocols

Runway condition assessment is a critical procedure for evaluating surface friction to prevent excursions, particularly on contaminated runways. The friction coefficient, denoted as MU (μ), is measured using specialized devices such as the GripTester, a self-propelled tester that simulates aircraft tire interaction by towing a smooth test wheel at a constant speed of 65 km/h while applying a vertical load.^[50] This equipment complies with ICAO standards for continuous friction measuring and is widely used at major airports to quantify braking effectiveness on wet, snowy, or icy surfaces.^[51] For contaminated runways, where standing water exceeds 3 mm, slush, snow, or ice covers more than 25% of the surface, friction levels below 0.30 MU often trigger restrictions, and results are reported internationally via SNOWTAM messages, which detail friction coefficients at multiple points along the runway and any changes exceeding 0.05 MU.^[52] The FAA's Advisory Circular 150/5200-30D further guides airport operators in conducting these assessments as part of snow and ice control plans, emphasizing timely reporting to enable pilots to adjust operations.^[53] Pilot training protocols focus on preparing crews for challenging landings through simulator-based scenarios that replicate wet or contaminated runway conditions. These sessions emphasize maintaining a stabilized approach, defined by criteria such as a descent rate not exceeding 1,000 feet per minute, proper configuration (gear and flaps extended), and alignment with the runway centerline by 1,000 feet above ground level in instrument meteorological conditions or 500 feet in visual conditions.^[54] Training programs, such as the Runway Excursion Prevention Simulator (REPS) course, incorporate real-world variables like gusty crosswinds and slippery surfaces to practice threat and error management, ensuring pilots can execute go-arounds if stability is lost.^[55] The Flight Safety Foundation's Approach and Landing Accident Reduction initiative recommends integrating these exercises into recurrent training to reduce excursion risks by fostering decision-making under low-friction conditions.^[54] Operational protocols guide go/no-go decisions for landings on potentially hazardous runways by relying on aircraft performance charts that account for environmental factors. Pilots consult these charts to calculate required landing distances, applying penalties for contamination that can reduce allowable landing weight by 10-20% depending on the surface type, such as slush or ice, to ensure a safety margin.^[1] For instance, wet runways require a 15% increase in landing distance factor per FAA guidelines, while more severe contamination demands conservative adjustments to avoid overruns.^[56] These decisions integrate runway condition reports, prioritizing stabilized approaches and autobrake use to maintain control during deceleration.^[1] Regulatory frameworks establish standardized risk-based assessments to mitigate runway excursions globally. The FAA's Advisory Circular 150/5200-30D mandates airport operators to develop field condition assessment matrices, incorporating friction testing and real-time reporting to support pilot briefings.^[53] ICAO Doc 9981, the Procedures for Air Navigation Services—Aerodromes, was updated through 2025 amendments to enhance runway condition reporting, emphasizing integrated risk assessments that combine friction data with operational factors for proactive safety measures.^[6] These updates align with the Global Runway Safety Action Plan, promoting harmonized protocols to reduce excursion rates by prioritizing human factors in condition evaluations.^[6]

Notable Incidents

Overrun examples

A prominent example of a runway overrun during landing occurred on August 2, 2005, involving Air France Flight 358, an Airbus A340-300 arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport from Paris. The aircraft overran the wet runway 24L after touchdown, sliding approximately 300 meters beyond the end into an adjacent ravine near Etobicoke Creek, where it caught fire but resulted in no fatalities among the 297 passengers and 12 crew members. Investigations attributed the overrun to a combination of heavy rain causing aquaplaning, a late touchdown by about 1,200 meters due to pilot decisions to continue the approach in deteriorating weather, and the malfunction of one thrust reverser, which reduced braking effectiveness on the contaminated surface. All occupants evacuated safely within 90 seconds, underscoring the importance of rapid response procedures, though the incident prompted reviews of go-around criteria in adverse weather.^[57] A tragic recent example occurred on December 29, 2024, involving Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800 arriving at Muan International Airport in South Korea from Bangkok. Following a bird strike that caused the retraction of the landing gear and shutdown of one engine, the aircraft performed a belly landing on runway 33 but overran the end by about 90 meters, colliding with a concrete barrier and an abandoned vehicle, which led to a post-crash fire. Of the 181 people on board (175 passengers and 6 crew), 179 were killed, with only two flight attendants surviving via emergency exit slides. The ongoing investigation by the Korea Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board has preliminarily identified the bird strike and gear malfunction as primary factors, highlighting risks of unstabilized landings in adverse conditions. These incidents collectively emphasize key lessons in overrun prevention, particularly the critical role of pilot and controller decision-making in adverse weather conditions, where delayed go-arounds can lead to excursions. The 2005 Air France overrun reinforced the need for stabilized approach criteria, influencing ICAO Annex 14 updates on runway safety areas. Post-2020 global protocols have integrated enhanced low-visibility operations (LVP) guidelines, including automated runway status lights and AI-assisted conflict detection, to bolster decision-making and prevent excursions amid rising air traffic volumes.

Veer-off examples

One notable veer-off incident occurred on June 1, 1999, involving American Airlines Flight 1420, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, at Little Rock National Airport in Arkansas. During landing in heavy rain and gusty crosswinds exceeding 20 knots, the aircraft touched down on runway 4R but veered left of the centerline due to hydroplaning and inadequate directional control. The flight crew delayed arming and deploying thrust reversers amid the adverse weather, exacerbating the loss of directional control and leading to a veer-off into the grass before overrunning the runway end. This accident resulted in 11 fatalities, including the captain and 10 passengers, with the remaining 134 occupants sustaining injuries ranging from minor to serious.^[58] Another significant commercial example is the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214, a Boeing 777-200ER, on July 6, 2013, at San Francisco International Airport. The aircraft approached runway 28L in conditions including tailwinds and wind shear, leading to an unstable low-altitude descent where the tail struck the runway threshold before the main gear touched down. Upon impact, the plane veered sharply to the right due to asymmetric thrust and loss of directional stability, sliding off the runway side and colliding with a seawall. This veer-off contributed to the aircraft breaking apart, resulting in 3 fatalities among the 307 people on board and serious injuries to 187 others. The National Transportation Safety Board attributed the directional control loss primarily to pilot error in managing the autothrottle and approach speed, compounded by wind shear effects.^[59] In the military domain, a veer-off incident took place on March 22, 2022, involving a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. During landing on runway 19, the aircraft's left main landing gear collapsed upon touchdown, likely due to a mechanical failure, causing it to veer off the runway onto adjacent grass and sustain substantial damage. The pilot safely egressed with no injuries, but the mishap led to an estimated $100 million in aircraft repair or replacement costs, highlighting vulnerabilities in high-performance fighter landing gear under operational stresses.^[60] These incidents have underscored key lessons for mitigating veer-offs, particularly the need for enhanced pilot training in crosswind landings and maintaining rudder authority during deceleration. Investigations revealed that delayed corrective inputs and over-reliance on automation in gusty conditions often precipitate directional deviations, prompting recommendations for simulator-based crosswind scenarios and procedural reviews to improve rudder effectiveness at low speeds. Such measures, drawn from post-accident analyses, aim to bolster crew resource management and weather-specific decision-making in both civil and military aviation.^[58]^[59]

References

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[PDF] Advisory Circular 91-79B - Federal Aviation Administration
Aug 28, 2023 · This advisory circular (AC) provides ways for pilots and airplane operators to identify, understand, and manage the risks associated with ...
[2]
[PDF] Action for prevention of runway excursion: an identified global-high ...
Jul 29, 2025 · A runway excursion happens when an aircraft unintentionally leaves the designated runway during landing or take off, either by veering off the ...
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Runway Excursions | Federal Aviation Administration
Oct 13, 2022 · A runway excursion ( RE ) is a veer off or overrun from the runway surface ( ICAO ). These surface events occur while an aircraft is taking off or landing.
[4]
Runway Excursion | SKYbrary Aviation Safety
A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft departs the runway in use during the take-off or landing run. The excursion may be intentional or unintentional.
[5]
Global Runway Safety Action Plan - ICAO
Feb 19, 2024 · This action plan provides recommended actions for runway stakeholders, including ICAO, the runway safety programme partners, State Civil.
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Oct 13, 2022 · What is a Runway Incursion? Any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle or person on the protected ...
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Runway Excursion. Any occurrence at any aerodrome involving the departure ... Note: This definition is based on ICAO Doc 9870 – Manual on the Prevention of Runway ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Aug 11, 2025 · This report makes use of information, including air transport and safety-related data and statistics, which is furnished to the ...
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Sep 2, 2025 · A runway excursion is a veer off or overrun of an aircraft from the runway surface. Runway excursions also include aircraft that undershoot ( ...
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In all, approximately 30 percent of runway excursions involved a significant mechanical issue that either initiated the accident sequence or exacer- bated it.
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It is permissible to reduce the overrun case to 180 metres if the runway has either instrument or visual vertical guidance aids and an Engineered Materials ...Missing: severity | Show results with:severity
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Weather, the most uncertain flight safety factor, includes turbulence, icing, reduced visibility, wind, precipitation, and lightning, which can affect avionics.<|separator|>
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The consequences of a runway excursion can be much more serious if the aircraft is not able to stop within the runway end safety area (RESA).
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... threats that may increase due to climate change and impact aviation, identified by respondents: • Increase in civil unrest. • Increase in terrorism. • Increase ...
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Based on the findings and SA results, reduce crosswind or tailwind operations can substantially decrease the occurrence of runway overrun and veer-off excursion ...
[18]
[PDF] NBAA Reducing Runway Excursions in Business Aviation 2023
A runway excursion is defined by the FAA as an aircraft departing the end (overrun) or side (veer-off) of the runway surface. This can and does occur during ...
[19]
Policies, Procedures and Training to Prevent Runway Excursions
3) Training of air traffic controllers on factors that contribute to the risk of runway excursion, including wind conditions, runway conditions, and unstable ...
[20]
Runway Incursions: A Comprehensive Analysis of Causative Factors ...
Jan 16, 2025 · Environmentally Influenced Incursions: External environmental conditions can significantly contribute to the risk of runway incursions.<|separator|>
[21]
Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS)
It is a broad human error framework that was originally used by the US Navy to investigate and analyse human factors aspects of aviation.Missing: excursions | Show results with:excursions
[22]
[PDF] REVIEW OF ACCIDENT PRECURSORS FOR RUNWAY ... - EASA
RE20 Lateral deviation: Develop means to identify excessive lateral deviations or oscillations during the takeoff, rejected takeoff and landing taking in consid ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[23]
[PDF] Reducing the Risk of Runway ExcuRsions - SKYbrary
Runway excursions can occur on takeoff or landing. They consist of two types of events: Veer-Off: A runway excursion in which an aircraft departs the side ...
[24]
[PDF] Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents - Boeing
In 2024, there were 47 accidents, 12 hull losses, and 187 fatalities. The industry has seen a 40% decline in total accident rate over the past two decades.
[25]
[PDF] Runway Excursion
According to the IATA Safety report, Runway Excursions account for 21% of the aviation industry's total accidents over the last decade (2015-2024).
[26]
Survival Factors - Flight Safety Foundation
Nov 4, 2014 · The research objective would be to improve understanding of what caused high thoracic spinal injuries to some occupants of Flight 214. “In ...
[27]
The Art of Crashing - AVweb
Jan 24, 2015 · We tend to break easily, suffering spinal compression or worse, under downward forces at 15 G. ... injuries in general aviation. It should be ...Deceleration And Energy · G-Loading Humans · Lethal Cockpits
[28]
Post-Crash Fires | SKYbrary Aviation Safety
Post-crash fires occur after an aircraft crash, often from fuel contact with ignition sources, and can spread quickly, causing flashover.
[29]
The Hidden Costs of Runway Excursions: Beyond Financial ...
Oct 13, 2023 · Hidden costs of runway excursions include aircraft damage, insurance, operational disruption, legal costs, eroded customer trust, negative ...
[30]
[PDF] A METHOD OF ESTIMATING THE COSTS OF UNEXPECTED ...
Aug 3, 2017 · For 2016 are the costs associated with unexpected runway closures due to accidents or incidents estimated at. 4.2 Billion Dollar, whereof the ...
[31]
Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Runway Excursions ...
It has been estimated that the direct cost of runway excursion events in 2019 was more than US$4 billion. ... Copyright © SKYbrary Aviation Safety, 2021-2025.
[32]
[PDF] Understanding Oil Spills And Oil Spill Response
Every effort must be made to prevent oil spills and to clean them up promptly once they occur. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Oil Spill Program ...
[33]
Aviation Investigation Report A11H0003
Sep 4, 2011 · During the runway excursion, both sides of the main landing gear collapsed, damaging the wing and causing a fuel leak. There was no fire ...
[34]
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[35]
[PDF] What is the minimum runway width in order to operate Airbus aircraft?
Aug 1, 2014 · ICAO Annex 14 and FAA specifications do not define limits or regulate aircraft operations. Based on ICAO Annex 14, the minimum runway widths ...
[36]
[PDF] A worldwide review of commercial jet aircraft runway excursions
This report, the first in a two-part series, provides a statistical picture of runway excursion accidents over a 10-year period – how frequently they occur, why ...
[37]
[PDF] AC 150/5325-4B, Runway Length Requirements for Airport Design
Jul 1, 2005 · This Advisory Circular (AC) provides guidelines for airport designers and planners to determine recommended runway lengths for new runways or ...
[38]
[PDF] Advisory Circular - Federal Aviation Administration
Mar 18, 1997 · This permits rain water to permeate through the course and drain off transversely to the side of the runway, preventing water buildup on the ...
[39]
[PDF] Implementation of the revised annex 14 volume 1 standards ... - ICAO
Jul 29, 2025 · The revised OLS SARPs were adopted by the ICAO Council on 28 March 2025, following a review of the OLS SARPs that spanned a decade since 2015.
[40]
Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS)
Sep 2, 2025 · A properly design and constructed EMAS absorbs the kinetic energy of runway excursion aircraft in less space and time than traditional safety areas.
[41]
Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) | Federal Aviation ...
A standard EMAS installation will stop most aircraft overrunning the runway at 70 knots (approximately 80 miles per hour).
[42]
AINsight: 2 EMAS Saves in 1 Day Highlight Dangers of a High ...
Sep 19, 2025 · Currently, 122 EMAS are installed at 70 airports in the U.S., according to the FAA. Agreed, EMAS is an amazing invention. Other than luck, EMAS ...
[43]
Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System - Honeywell Aerospace
EGPWS software enhancements include SmartRunway and SmartLanding systems, developed to help flight crews avoid potential runway incursions and excursions.
[44]
[PDF] The Runway Overrun Prevention System | Safety First | Airbus
The main advantages of this system reside in an increase in passenger comfort, combined with a reduction of brake wear and temperature, thrust reversers usage ...Missing: EGPWS | Show results with:EGPWS
[45]
[PDF] FSF ALAR Briefing Note 8.4 -- Braking Devices
Select thrust reversers as soon as appropriate with maximum reverse thrust (this increases safety on dry runways and wet runways, and is mandatory on runways.Missing: autobraking | Show results with:autobraking
[46]
[PDF] Draft AC 150/5320-12D, Measurement and Maintenance of Skid ...
May 2, 2016 · This AC provides guidelines for pavement evaluation with friction measuring equipment and maintenance of high skid-resistant pavements.
[47]
Airport Lighting Aids - Federal Aviation Administration
Runway edge lights are used to outline the edges of runways during periods of darkness or restricted visibility conditions. These light systems are classified ...
[48]
Runway Lighting | SKYbrary Aviation Safety
Touchdown Zone (TDZ) Lighting must be provided on runways available for use in low visibility conditions so as to provide enhanced identification of the ...
[49]
Boeing Assesses AI Certifiability In Automated Taxiing, Runway Safety
Sep 11, 2025 · Boeing has conducted demonstrations of experimental, machine-learning-based automated taxi and runway safety systems under a collaborative ...
[50]
How big data helped Airbus avoid a potential catastrophic accident
Jan 16, 2025 · Two case studies, one of them not widely known, illustrate how the airframer's Skywise platform is yielding actionable safety insights.Missing: trials | Show results with:trials
[51]
Honeywell Expands Runway Safety Toolset with Surf-A Certification ...
Sep 12, 2025 · Surf-A extends that protection to runway incursions by using ADS-B data and trajectory analysis to warn pilots when another aircraft or vehicle ...Missing: preventing | Show results with:preventing
[52]
GRIPTESTER
... ICAO and PIARC. Specified by ICAO and covered by BS7941-2:2000, the GripTester is the most widely used runway surface friction tester in the World. With ...
[53]
Runway Surface Friction | SKYbrary Aviation Safety
Aircraft braking coefficient is dependent upon the surface friction between the tyres on the aircraft wheels and the pavement surface. Less friction means less ...
[54]
[PDF] International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Internationally, runway excursions are considered as being one of the high risk areas. In 2006, the AIBN decided to perform a theme investigation into the ...
[55]
[PDF] AC 150/5200-30D, Airport Winter Safety and Operations, 29 July 2016
Jul 29, 2016 · The SCC performs the following main functions: (1) managing snow clearing operations; (2) serving as a prime source of field condition reporting ...
[56]
[PDF] FSF ALAR Briefing Note 7.1 -- Stabilized Approach
Sink rate is no greater than 1,000 feet per minute; if an approach requires a sink rate greater than 1,000 feet per minute, a special briefing should be.
[57]
REPS Course - FlightSafety International
Our exclusive Runway Excursion Prevention Simulator (REPS) training course, available for Gulfstream's G500/G600 and G650.
[58]
Proper Planning Essential to Mitigating Runway Excursions - NBAA
May 23, 2016 · Some 70 percent of those accidents occurred during the landing phase. While most runway excursion accidents are survivable, runway excursion ...
[59]
B742 / B741, Tenerife Canary Islands Spain, 1977 - SKYbrary
On March 27, 1977, a KLM Boeing 747 took off without clearance in low visibility, colliding with a backtracking Pan Am 747 in Tenerife, killing 583.
[60]
Aviation Investigation Report A05H0002
The aircraft stopped in a ravine at 2002 UTC (1602 eastern daylight time) and caught fire. All passengers and crew members were able to evacuate the aircraft.Factual Information · Analysis · Findings
[61]
Human error caused JAL jet collision at Haneda Airport: safety board
Dec 25, 2024 · Around 5:47 p.m on Jan. 2, the Japan Airlines jet collided with the JCG plane taxiing on the airport runway, causing both aircraft to catch fire ...Missing: overrun | Show results with:overrun<|control11|><|separator|>
[62]
[PDF] Aircraft Accident Report - NTSB
Jun 1, 1999 · 2001. Runway Overrun During Landing, American Airlines. Flight 1420, McDonnell Douglas MD-82, N215AA, Little Rock, Arkansas, June 1, 1999.
[63]
[PDF] Accident Report - NTSB/AAR-14/01 PB2014-105984
Jul 6, 2013 · On July 6, 2013, Asiana Airlines Flight 214 struck a seawall at San Francisco International Airport, resulting in 3 fatalities and many ...
[64]
F-22 jet pilot OK after apparent landing gear collapse at Eglin
Mar 23, 2022 · An F-22 Raptor fighter jet suffered a mishap upon landing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the 325th Fighter Wing told Air ...