Summary

  • American Airlines Flight AA850 suffered a veer-off runway excursion during landing in Kingston due to heavy rain and inclement weather.
  • The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, experienced minor damage to engines, lights, and landing gear, but no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
  • Heavy rain can lead to runway contamination, causing aircraft to hydroplane and lose control, increasing the risk of runway excursions.

On June 6th, 2024, An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 (registration N879NN) was operating Flight AA850, which services Kingston Nomar Manley Airport (KIN) from Miami International Airport (MIA).

Inclement weather and heavy rain reduced the aircraft’s ability to slow down on the runway, leading to a runway excursion. The aircraft suffered damage, the extent of which is unknown until maintenance completes inspections.

The incident

A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft unintentionally departs from the runway surface during a takeoff or landing. More than 80% of runway excursions occur during the landing phase. The most common type of runway excursion is a veer-off, where the aircraft leaves the edges of the runway. Flight AA850 also suffered a veer-off runway excursion during landing.

The aircraft experienced a hard landing and drifted right, departing the runway around the mid-point between two taxiways at low speeds. As a result, the aircraft suffered damage to the engines, landing lights, landing gear, and other components on the undercarriage. However, the damage was minor enough that the aircraft did not require assistance to taxi back to the gate.

American Airlines made a statement about the incident:

“American Airlines flight 850 from Miami (MIA) to Kingston, Jamaica (KIN) briefly exited the runway after landing. The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power, and customers deplaned normally. Safety is our top priority, and we apologize to our customers for their experience.”

The aircraft is a 12.6-year-old Boeing 737-800NG, equipped with CFM International CFM56-7B24 engines. It was built at the Renton factory in the US.

An American Airlines Boeing 737 Landing While A Delta Air Lines Aircraft Waits on the Apron.

Photo: BravoKiloPhoto | Shutterstock

A passenger, Richard Pandohie, recounted his experience of the event. He described the landing as:

“rough, even scary… Thankful that we landed safely despite significant damage to the plane.. the AA flight crew was calm and professional… Life has a way of reminding us that every day is a blessing.”

None of the passengers or crew aboard the aircraft were injured, and no ground staff members were caught up in the incident. It is the best-case scenario for such an incident.

The return flight to Miami was rescheduled for Friday morning, as the airline needed to find a replacement aircraft to complete the leg.

Weather and safety

The reason for the incursion is cited as heavy rain at the landing airport. Heavy rain can cause the runway to become contaminated with water. When an aircraft lands on a runway contaminated with standing water, it can hydroplane and lose directional control. In addition, the friction coefficient of the runway surface decreases drastically while contaminated, which makes braking difficult.

An American Airlines Boeing 737 on an airport apron.

Photo: Ryan Fletcher | Shutterstock

It is the second time an American Airlines Boeing 737 has experienced a runway excursion at KIN. In December 2009, AA Flight 331 (registered N977AN) overran the runway during a landing. It sustained significant damage and had to be written off, but none of the 154 passengers and crew aboard the aircraft were injured.

Related

How Boeing Is Preventing Runway Excursions With Situational Awareness Tools

Situational Awareness Tools calculate landing distance and go-around points to assist pilots during approach and landing.


  • Spirit-Airlines-Airbus-A321-231-N684NK-(1)-1

    Miami International Airport

    IATA/ICAO Code:
    MIA/KMIA

    Country:
    United States

    CEO:
    Ralph Cutié

    Passenger Count :
    37,302,456 (2021)

    Runways :
    8L/26R – 2,621m (8,600ft) |
    8R/26L – 3,202m (10,505ft) |
    9/27 – 3,967m (13,015ft) |
    12/30 – 2,853m (9,360ft)

    Terminals:
    North Terminal |
    Central Terminal |
    South Terminal

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