Aircraft departs on closed runway during takeoff

Casualties unknown • Houston, TX, US

An aircraft cleared for takeoff on Runway 12R inadvertently departed on Runway 17, striking construction barriers located on the closed portion of the runway.

What happened

An aircraft was cleared for takeoff on Runway 12R, but the crew subsequently performed a takeoff from Runway 17. At the time of the incident, the southern 2,200 feet of Runway 17 was closed due to ongoing construction. This closure had been communicated via NOTAMs and ATIS, and the crew members were aware of the runway status.

As the aircraft reached rotation speed, the lower portions of the plane struck sections of wooden barriers that had been positioned across Runway 17. Following the impact, the crew became aware of potential damage to the aircraft. The flight continued to its destination, where emergency equipment was positioned on the ground awaiting the aircraft's arrival. The aircraft sustained minor damage and there were no injuries.

Notably, an identical incident involving a different air carrier occurred at the same location only seventy-three days prior, where an aircraft cleared for Runway 12R also departed inadvertently on Runway 17.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-03-23 Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9 accident near Houston, TX?

An aircraft cleared for takeoff on Runway 12R inadvertently departed on Runway 17, striking construction barriers located on the closed portion of the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-03-23 involved a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9, registration N447AA, operated by American Airlines, at Houston, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

CREW'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW TAXI INSTRUCTIONS AND TO INSURE THAT THEY WERE ON THE PROPER RUNWAY PRIOR TO INITIATION OF THE TAKEOFF ROLL.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27893. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…