United Airlines Flight With Over 178 Passenger Rolls Off Runway In Houston
On the morning of March 8, 2024, United Airlines Flight 2477, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, experienced a runway excursion upon landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas. The aircraft, arriving from Memphis, Tennessee, veered off the taxiway and became lodged in a grassy area adjacent to the runway. All 160 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated without reported injuries.
Incident Details
Flight 2477 touched down at IAH around 8:00 a.m. under rainy conditions. As the plane taxied toward its designated gate, it departed from the paved surface and came to a stop on the grass alongside Runway 9-27. Visuals captured post-incident depicted the aircraft tilted to one side, with its left wing nearly contacting the ground
Emergency Response
Following the excursion, the Houston Fire Department and Houston Airport Operations promptly responded to the scene. Passengers were evacuated via mobile stairs and transported by bus to the terminal, where United Airlines staff assisted them with onward travel arrangements and other necessities. The airline also coordinated the retrieval and return of checked luggage to passengers.
Investigation and Safety Measures
United Airlines, in collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the runway excursion. The airline committed to working closely with these agencies and Boeing to understand the factors contributing to the incident and to implement necessary corrective actions.
Context of Recent Incidents
This event occurred amidst a series of safety-related incidents involving United Airlines aircraft:
Reuters
Tire Loss Incident: On March 7, 2024, a United Airlines Boeing 777 lost a tire during takeoff from San Francisco International Airport. The aircraft subsequently landed safely in Los Angeles, with no injuries reported.
Business Insider
Engine Issue Incident: In February 2025, United Airlines Flight 1382 from Houston to New York’s LaGuardia Airport experienced an engine issue during takeoff, leading to an emergency evacuation. Passengers reported observing what appeared to be a fire on the aircraft. All 104 passengers and five crew members were evacuated safely without injuries.
People.com
These occurrences prompted the FAA to conduct a comprehensive six-month safety review of United Airlines. The evaluation, which concluded in October 2024, found no significant safety issues but underscored the importance of ongoing vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
Business Insider
Passenger Rights and Airline Accountability
Incidents like the runway excursion of Flight 2477 highlight the critical importance of passenger safety and the responsibilities of airlines to maintain rigorous safety standards. Passengers are entitled to transparent communication, timely assistance, and appropriate compensation when flights are disrupted due to safety incidents. Airlines must ensure that their crews are adequately trained to handle emergencies and that their fleets are maintained in optimal condition to prevent such occurrences.
Conclusion
The runway excursion of United Airlines Flight 2477 at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in aviation safety. While the absence of injuries underscores the effectiveness of current safety measures, the incident emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and vigilance within the airline industry. Ongoing investigations will provide further insights into the causes of such incidents and inform strategies to enhance the safety and reliability of air travel for all passengers.
