Despite Challenges, NTSB Stands By Probable Cause Determination in PenAir Runway Overrun

Authorities from Sweden and the United Kingdom wanted more emphasis on crew mistakes.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, December 07, 2021 at 06:26 PM ET

Verified

A view of the Saab SA-2000 looking northwest. Credit: NTSB

Key Takeaways:

The NTSB concluded the PenAir runway overrun was caused by flight crew improper decision-making and a braking system failure due to improper maintenance, a finding challenged by Swedish and U.K. investigators who felt the crew's role was understated.
Key contributing factors included the captain's decision to land with a tailwind at a challenging airport despite insufficient experience, incorrect wiring in the anti-skid system causing braking failure, and the airport's non-conforming runway safety area.
The NTSB issued several recommendations to the FAA, EASA, and Saab, urging reviews of landing gear systems, redesign of faulty components, implementation of safety management systems, and improved oversight of organizational changes and runway design codes.

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After challenges from aviation safety investigators from Sweden and the U.K., the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is standing by its conclusion on the probable cause of the PenAir runway overrun accident at the Unalaska airport (KDUT) in Dutch Harbor, Alaska.

According to the NTSB final report, the accident, which happened on October 17, 2019, was caused by the flight crew’s improper decision-making coupled with the failure of the aircraft’s braking system attributed to improper maintenance.