Houston, January 1, 2026
A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 slipped off a taxiway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Thankfully, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated with no injuries reported. Newly released NTSB records detail cockpit conversations and preliminary findings, highlighting issues with deceleration on a wet runway. The incident has raised questions about operational safety at United Airlines amidst ongoing investigations.
Houston
New details have recently emerged regarding a United Airlines plane that slipped off a taxiway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on Friday, March 8, 2024. Records released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shed light on the pilots’ cockpit conversations immediately following the incident. All 160 passengers and six crew members aboard the Boeing 737 MAX 8 were safely evacuated, with no reported injuries.
New Details Emerge from Investigation
The recently released NTSB records include cockpit audio and a transcript, providing insight into the moments after the aircraft, Flight 2477 from Memphis to Houston, departed the paved taxiway surface. Investigators noted that the plane failed to decelerate sufficiently on a wet runway. According to reports, the aircraft’s speed brakes retracted, automatic brakes disengaged, and reverse thrust was subsequently reduced, making it difficult to slow the plane.
The captain, identified as Alireza Johartchi, reportedly expressed concern when the aircraft was not slowing adequately as it neared the end of the runway. When attempting to apply greater brake pressure, the fuselage and rudder brake pedals reportedly shook violently. The plane ultimately slid off the runway into a grassy area, where it tilted, with its left main landing gear collapsing after hitting a concrete structure. The first officer was identified as Michael Dickson. The NTSB investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Passenger Safety and Airport Operations
Following the incident, passengers were safely deplaned using air stairs and then transported by bus to the terminal. Despite the event, flight operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport continued without interruption. This incident occurred amidst a period of increased scrutiny on United Airlines regarding various operational issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened with the United Airlines plane in Houston?
- A United Airlines plane slipped off a taxiway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
- When did this incident occur?
- The incident occurred on Friday, March 8, 2024.
- What new information has been released about the incident?
- Records released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shed light on the pilots’ cockpit conversations immediately following the incident.
- Were there any passenger or crew injuries?
- No passenger or crew injuries were reported among the 160 passengers and six crew members aboard the Boeing 737 MAX 8.
- What caused the plane to slip off the taxiway?
- Investigators noted that the plane failed to decelerate sufficiently on a wet runway. The aircraft’s speed brakes retracted, automatic brakes disengaged, and reverse thrust was subsequently reduced.
Key Features of the Houston United Airlines Incident
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event | United Airlines plane slipped off taxiway | Airport-specific |
| Location | George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston | City-specific |
| Date of Incident | Friday, March 8, 2024 | Event-specific |
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Incident-specific |
| Passengers/Crew | 160 passengers, 6 crew members | Incident-specific |
| Injuries Reported | None | Incident-specific |
| Key Finding from NTSB Records | Plane failed to decelerate sufficiently on wet runway; cockpit audio released | National (NTSB) |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing | National (NTSB) |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
