Brakes Issue Causes American Airlines Boeing 737-800 To Overrun Runway In Dallas

A Boeing 737-800 operated by American Airlines reportedly experienced a runway excursion while landing at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) over the weekend. The aircraft did not sustain any damage but suffered from deflated tires.

An issue with the aircraft’s brakes is believed to be the cause, resulting in the plane coming to a halt past the runway’s end. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation.

Flight details

According to The Aviation Herald, the aircraft, registered as N991AN, was operating as AA1632 from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Saturday. Data from FlightAware shows that the aircraft left gate C33 at 17:07, which was eight minutes early from its original departure time of 17:15. Taxiing to Runway 19, it was airborne 14 minutes later at 17:21. Heading south over the Potomac River, the 737 then turned west and reached its cruising altitude of 26,000 feet 15 minutes later.

The remainder of the flight was uneventful, although the aircraft gradually decreased its altitude throughout its three-hour journey. One hour and six minutes into the flight, the crew descended to 24,000 feet, only to descend another 2,000 feet to 22,000 feet about a half hour later. This was likely due to increased headwinds, as the flight data shows the aircraft was flying at around 375 miles per hour (mph).

Confirming the incident

Two hours and 40 minutes into the flight, the plane began its initial descent and was lined up for its final approach onto Runway 17L at DFW 25 minutes later. Landing at 19:42 local time, N991AN overran the runway’s end and stopped in the runway end safety area, according to The Aviation Herald.

Check It Out

(Still) The World’s Largest: The American Airlines Fleet In 2024

American Airlines won’t be retiring any of its aircraft for the next six years. Much of what you see now is what you’ll get through 2030.

An American spokesperson confirmed the incident to Simple Flying on Sunday, citing an issue with the aircraft’s brakes.

“On Feb. 10, American Airlines flight 1632 with service from Washington, D.C. (DCA) to Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) experienced a braking issue on landing at DFW. The flight landed safely at 7:41 p.m. CT with 99 customers and 6 crew members onboard.”

Over 70 feet past the runway

The plane reportedly landed at a speed of 152 knots (174 mph) in the touchdown zone, which is about 1,706 feet (520 meters) down the runway. It began to slow down, decelerating through 132 knots (150 mph) when it was around 3,200 feet (990 meters) down the runway. At 5,180 feet (1,580 meters), the aircraft was still moving at about 90 knots (100 mph). It slowed to about 40 knots (46 mph), reaching 8,000 feet (2,460 meters) down the runway, which was reportedly only 360 feet (110 meters) from the end of the runway.

Traveling at 27 knots (31 mph), the plane crossed the runway end and eventually stopped 75 feet (23 meters) further, in the runway end safety area. Although that area is a paved surface, three main tires were deflated, according to local witnesses.

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

As a result, the aircraft had to be towed to the apron. It arrived at gate C2 at 21:11, one hour and 14 minutes after its scheduled arrival time of 19:57. No injuries were reported.

“We are fully cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation,” the spokesperson explained.

New tires and repairs to the aircraft’s braking system likely occurred on Sunday, as the aircraft is scheduled to re-enter service on Monday. According to FlightAware, N991AN is expected to perform five legs on Monday, performing turns at Raleigh–Durham and Colorado Springs, before it finishes its day with a flight to New Orleans.

You Might Also Like

Passenger Claims American Airlines “Burned” Lost Jacket At Charlotte Douglas International Airport

The traveler said the clothing item was not “lost & found” but rather “lost & burned.”