United Airlines Flight Skidded Off Runway in Texas

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United Airlines Flight Skids Off Runway in Texas: Passengers Safe Amid Investigations

April 30, 2025 | Texas, USA

A United Airlines flight skidded off the runway during landing in Texas on Tuesday evening, prompting a swift emergency response and raising questions about weather conditions, aircraft maintenance, and airport preparedness. While no fatalities or serious injuries were reported, the incident has drawn nationwide attention and renewed concerns about air travel safety in unpredictable weather conditions.

Incident Details

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), United Airlines Flight 2713, a Boeing 737-800, was arriving from Denver International Airport and was scheduled to land at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, at approximately 7:15 p.m. local time. During its landing on Runway 26L, the aircraft veered off the tarmac due to what is suspected to be low visibility, heavy rainfall, and wet runway conditions.

Eyewitnesses reported that the plane touched down normally but then began to hydroplane, swerving toward the grassy area beside the runway. The aircraft came to a halt with its nose wheel in the soft earth, about 50 meters from the paved surface.

Immediate Emergency Response

Airport rescue and firefighting teams (ARFF) responded within minutes. Emergency slides were not deployed, as there was no fire or smoke, and the aircraft remained upright and largely intact. The 168 passengers and 6 crew members were safely evacuated using airstairs brought to the aircraft’s rear exit. No one was hospitalized, though a few passengers were treated on-site for minor injuries and stress.

“We were really scared because we felt the plane wobble after touchdown. It was raining hard, and the windows fogged up. Then suddenly, we felt a jolt and the plane turned sideways,” said Linda Granger, a passenger seated near the wing. “Thank God the crew was calm and got us off quickly.”

Weather a Key Factor

At the time of landing, Houston was experiencing heavy rainfall, with wind gusts reaching up to 25 mph. Meteorologists confirmed that the runway was slick with rainwater, which may have contributed to the aircraft’s loss of traction. The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning for the area just an hour before the landing.

Aviation analysts suggest that hydroplaning—a condition where a layer of water prevents the tires from making proper contact with the runway—may have been the root cause. “Even modern aircraft with top-tier braking systems can face challenges in such conditions,” said Ava Patel, an aviation safety expert. “If the tires can’t grip the surface, directional control can be lost easily, especially at high speeds.”

Aircraft Condition and Pilot Experience

The Boeing 737-800 involved in the incident was approximately 9 years old and had passed its latest maintenance inspection two weeks ago. United Airlines confirmed that both pilots were highly experienced, with the captain logging over 12,000 flight hours and the first officer having around 6,500 hours.

Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft’s landing gear and undercarriage may have sustained minor damage during the excursion, but the fuselage remained intact, and there was no fuel leak or fire.

United Airlines issued a public statement late Tuesday:

> “The safety of our passengers and crew is always our highest priority. We are grateful to report that all individuals on Flight 2713 are safe. We are cooperating fully with federal investigators and are conducting a thorough internal review. All affected customers have been re-accommodated, and we sincerely apologize for the disruption.”

FAA and NTSB Launch Investigations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the incident. While foul play has been ruled out, investigators are analyzing black box data, cockpit voice recordings, flight path logs, and ATC (Air Traffic Control) communication.

Officials will also inspect the aircraft’s braking systems, anti-skid systems, and the friction level of the runway. Airport maintenance logs will be scrutinized to check if the runway was properly grooved and drained.

“Runway excursions, while rare, are serious incidents that must be fully examined,” said Mark Delaney, an NTSB spokesperson. “We will determine whether this was a case of weather-related mishandling, equipment failure, or something else.”

A preliminary report is expected within 10 days, with a full report possibly taking months.

Passenger Support and Rebooking

United Airlines offered overnight accommodations, food vouchers, and rebooking options for all passengers. By Wednesday morning, most had been placed on alternative flights or reached their final destinations by ground transportation. The airline has also set up a customer support hotline for family members seeking information.

Mental health professionals were dispatched to assist passengers dealing with post-incident stress. A few passengers shared their experiences on social media, praising the flight attendants for their swift actions and calm demeanor.

Broader Implications and Industry Reaction

Although no one was seriously hurt, the incident has reignited debates within the aviation industry about the need for better runway infrastructure and updated weather landing protocols, particularly in regions with frequent storms.

Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) issued a statement urging the FAA to accelerate its research on high-performance runway surfaces and real-time braking action reports for pilots during landing.

Moreover, airport authorities may now consider installing runway end safety areas (RESAs) and engineered materials arrestor systems (EMAS) in more regional airports to reduce the risk of overrun damage.

Local Impact

George Bush Intercontinental Airport remained operational, though Runway 26L was closed overnight for inspection and cleaning. Several flights were delayed or rerouted, affecting air travel across the region. By Wednesday morning, normal operations had resumed.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner expressed relief and commended the professionalism of emergency responders. “This could have been a disaster, but it wasn’t — thanks to the fast response and the preparedness of all involved.”

Conclusion

The skidding of United Airlines Flight 2713 in Texas stands as a stark reminder of the challenges pilots and airports face in managing severe weather conditions. While the outcome was fortunate, the incident underscores the importance of constant vigilance, infrastructure investment, and responsive aviation safety systems.

As investigations continue, passengers and the aviation community alike await answers—and hope that the lessons learned will help prevent future incidents of this kind.