{"id":127735,"date":"2026-01-01T23:34:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-01T18:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=127735"},"modified":"2026-01-01T21:51:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-01T16:21:43","slug":"united-737-skids-off-runway-after-atc-urges-faster-exit-ntsb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/01\/united-737-skids-off-runway-after-atc-urges-faster-exit-ntsb\/","title":{"rendered":"United 737 MAX Skids Off Runway After ATC Urges Faster Exit, NTSB Finds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

HOUSTON-<\/strong> Air traffic control instructions urging pilots to expedite runway exit are among the factors reviewed by investigators following a United Airlines (UA)<\/a> Boeing 737 MAX 8 runway excursion in March 2024 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The incident involved United flight UA2477<\/strong> operating from Memphis, which veered off the pavement after landing, resulting in the collapse and separation of the aircraft\u2019s left main landing gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A December 31, 2025, report from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) outlined how cockpit decision-making, runway conditions, and external pressure combined during the landing rollout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: Andrew E. Cohen | Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

United 737 MAX Skids Off Runway: NTSB<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the NTSB\u2019s operational factors report, Houston ATC instructed the flight crew to \u201ckeep your speed up\u201d as the aircraft approached runway 27. The request came as the United jet followed closely behind an Embraer ERJ-145, with another Boeing 737 landing shortly after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investigators noted that the instruction may have reinforced a general sense of urgency to clear the runway quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The captain later told investigators he had rolled to the end of the runway with minimal braking hundreds of times and believed the practice improved passenger comfort while reducing ground delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: United Airlines 737 Pilot Refuses to Fly With Exhausted Crew at Chicago<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Landing and Braking Decisions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The flight crew initially expected to land on runway 26L but requested runway 27 to shorten taxi time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The change was approved during descent, though investigators found that the captain did not conduct a formal threat briefing or print landing performance data as required by company procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ATIS information indicated reduced braking action, yet the captain selected a low autobrake setting and later reduced it further after receiving the ATC instruction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the captain perceived the runway surface as dry, the first officer recalled it appeared wet, highlighting a possible misjudgment of surface conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Touchdown occurred well beyond the runway threshold, and the aircraft continued at a higher-than-expected speed during rollout. Despite increasing brake pressure with decreasing runway remaining, the aircraft did not decelerate as anticipated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Runway Excursion Sequence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With approximately 1,000ft of runway left, the captain faced a choice between continuing straight into the grass or attempting a high-speed turnoff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He opted to turn right toward a taxiway at roughly 37kt, a maneuver that exceeded safe limits for the conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft struck a concrete structure near the taxiway, causing the left main landing gear to separate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The jet came to rest in a grassy area with its left wing and engine nacelle off the pavement. No injuries were reported among the 160 passengers and crew, and evacuation slides were not deployed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NTSB report also detailed the captain\u2019s extensive experience, including more than 9,600 hours on the Boeing 737<\/a> and recent landing performance training completed one month before the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"UA
United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX TAKEOFF from Chicago. Photo: Cado Photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Houston runway excursion underscores how ATC instructions, pilot expectations, and runway condition assessments can converge during high-workload phases of flight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the investigation has not assigned probable cause, the findings highlight the operational risks associated with expediting runway exit under uncertain braking conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Volaris, United Express Aircraft Narrowly Avoided Collision After Takeoff at Houston<\/a><\/blockquote>