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 affirmed its conclusion that the 2019 PenAir runway overrun was caused by a combination of the flight crew's improper decision-making and a braking system failure due to incorrect wiring, despite challenges from Swedish and U.K. investigators regarding the emphasis on crew error.
Key contributing factors included the captain's decision to land with a significant tailwind at a challenging airport for which he lacked adequate experience, and a maintenance error in the braking system's anti-skid wiring, partly attributed to its complex design.
The investigation also highlighted systemic issues such as PenAir's pilot qualification policy, an insufficient runway safety area, and potential safety risks from organizational changes, leading to recommendations for improved safety assessments, wiring redesign, and enhanced regulatory oversight.

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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.