Running Off The End

Richard L. Collins

Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Accurate landing performance calculations are paramount, as incidents like the 737 Midway overrun demonstrate that contaminated runways and tailwinds significantly increase required stopping distances, often exceeding initial crew assessments.
Pilots must actively manage wind conditions, including stratified winds and tailwinds, using tools like GPS for groundspeed awareness, and make a firm land/go-around decision by 500 feet AGL, recognizing that a late go-around on a slick runway can be more hazardous than an overrun.
Effective braking on contaminated surfaces requires understanding aircraft-specific techniques (e.g., aerodynamic braking, flap retraction implications) and careful modulation to prevent skidding or tire damage, making a pre-landing brake check a crucial safety step.

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Whenever there is an accident, pilots should get into that old “learning from events” mode. The recent 737 runway overrun at Chicago Midway created a lot of food for thought.

In a preliminary NTSB report, it was noted that the dispatchers and the crew had calculated that Runway 31C at Midway was okay for landing even though it was snow covered and there was a downwind component of almost 10 knots before the airplane landed.