A runway incident involving a United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 occurred at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport today. According to the latest updates from the airport, the aircraft veered off the taxiway, contradicting initial speculation of a gear collapse.

This incident took place shortly after it was reported that a different United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 had encountered a rudder pedal issue, resulting in a two-week grounding.

About the flight

Flight UA2477 was operating on United Airlines from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Despite a seven-minute departure delay at 06:37, the flight compensated for the lost time, arriving at 07:58, 30 minutes ahead of schedule.

Details about what transpired upon the aircraft’s landing in Houston are still emerging. Current information, including flight data from Flightradar24 and photographs from the scene, indicates the aircraft landed normally on the runway and proceeded without issues initially. The deviation occurred when it exited the runway at the end, making an overly wide turn and consequently veering into the adjacent grassy area.

In response to the incident, officials at Houston Airport acknowledged that the aircraft experienced a runway excursion. In a statement to Simple Flying, they detailed:

Around 8 a.m. today, a United Airlines flight landed on a runway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). As it was exiting the runway for the gate, the aircraft left the pavement and entered the grass along Runway 9-27. Fortunately, no one on board was injured and all passengers were safely transported to the terminal. Per federal regulation, the FAA has been notified. Flights in and out of IAH continue without interruption.

Houston Airport
Source: Simple Flying

Another incident for the 737 MAX

Based on the information provided, the occurrence appears to be a runway excursion incident involving a Boeing 737 MAX, rather than an issue specific to the model itself. Regarding the aircraft, the one involved was registered as N27290, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 that is 4.39 years old and was constructed in Renton. Its first flight took place in October 2019, during the period when the 737 MAX fleet was grounded. The delivery to United Airlines was finalized on June 8th, 2023. This aircraft is identified by the Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 44309.

Sources:

• Simple Flying
• Featured Image by: RenGanner on X