An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 registered as N879NN was operating flight 850 from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Kingston Nomar Manley Airport (KIN) on Thursday.
Inclement weather and heavy rain reduced the aircraft’s ability to slow down on the runway, leading to a runway excursion. The aircraft suffered damage, the extent of which is unknown until maintenance completes inspections.The incident
A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft unintentionally departs from the runway surface during a takeoff or landing. More than 80% of runway excursions occur during the landing phase. The most common type of runway excursion is a veer-off, where the aircraft leaves the edges of the runway. AA850 also suffered a veer-off runway excursion during landing.
The aircraft experienced a hard landing and drifted right, departing the runway around the mid-point between two taxiways at low speeds. As a result, the aircraft suffered damage to the engines, landing lights, landing gear, and other components on the undercarriage. However, the damage was minor enough that the aircraft did not require assistance to taxi back to the gate.
American provided a statement about the incident.American Airlines flight 850 from Miami (MIA) to Kingston, Jamaica (KIN) briefly exited the runway after landing. The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power, and customers deplaned normally. Safety is our top priority, and we apologize to our customers for their experience.”
The aircraft is a 12.6-year-old 737-800, equipped with CFM56-7B24 engines. It was built at the Renton factory in the US.A passenger, Richard Pandohie, recounted his experience of the event. He described the landing as:
“rough, even scary… Thankful that we landed safely despite significant damage to the plane.. the AA flight crew was calm and professional… Life has a way of reminding us that every day is a blessing.”
None of the passengers or crew aboard the aircraft were injured, and no ground staff members were caught up in the incident. It is the best-case scenario for such an incident.The return flight to Miami was rescheduled for Friday morning, as the airline needed to find a replacement aircraft to complete the leg.
Weather and safety
The reason for the incursion is cited as heavy rain at the landing airport. Heavy rain can cause the runway to become contaminated with water. When an aircraft lands on a runway contaminated with standing water, it can hydroplaneThe reason for the incursion is cited as heavy rain at the landing airport.
Heavy rain can cause the runway to become contaminated with water. When an aircraft lands on a runway contaminated with standing water, it can hydroplane and lose directional control. In addition, the friction coefficient of the runway surface decreases drastically while contaminated, which makes braking difficult.