Cockpit Audio Captures United Flight Slipping Off Runway, Forcing Evacuation

January 2, 2026 at 12:31 AM•3 min read

United Airlines is facing scrutiny after Flight 2477, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, slipped off the runway at Houston, prompting an NTSB investigation into pilot actions and surface conditions.

Key Points

1NTSB released cockpit audio and video from the March 8, 2024, United Airlines 737 MAX 8 runway excursion at Houston (IAH).
2The audio captures the captain expressing shock and apology after the aircraft slid into the grass, collapsing the left main landing gear.
3Contributing factors include a wet runway, ATC instructions to 'keep speed up,' and the captain's high-speed attempt to exit the runway.
4No injuries were reported among the 160 passengers and crew, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released critical documents. These records detail a March 8, 2024, United Airlines runway excursion event. Flight 2477, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, was arriving from Memphis. The aircraft slid off the runway while exiting onto a taxiway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The incident forced an emergency passenger evacuation incident. No injuries were reported among the 160 passengers and crew.

Cockpit Audio Transcription Reveals Crew Reaction

The newly released public docket includes a cockpit audio transcription. The recording captures the crew's immediate reaction after the aircraft left the paved surface. The captain, Alireza Johartchi, expressed shock and apology. “Oh my god, I can't believe that happened. God darn it. I am so sorry,” the captain is quoted as saying. The audio also reflects the captain’s concern about the event being captured on social media. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its left wing and aft fuselage. The left main landing gear collapsed after striking a concrete structure.

NTSB Findings on Pilot Decision Making

The NTSB investigation details point to a combination of operational factors. Investigators noted the runway surface condition was wet and slippery. Air Traffic Control (ATC) had instructed the crew to “keep your speed up”. This instruction may have reinforced a sense of urgency to clear the runway quickly. The performance study showed the jet did not decelerate sufficiently.

The crew had selected a low autobrake setting.
Manual braking began late in the landing rollout.
The captain attempted to turn onto the taxiway at an estimated 37 knots. This speed exceeded safe operational limits for the conditions.

Impact on Commercial Aviation Safety

This commercial aviation safety event highlights critical procedural issues. The NTSB noted the captain did not conduct a formal threat briefing. This was required due to a late runway change and reported reduced braking action. The incident prompts a review of aviation safety standards and training. It focuses on managing aircraft energy on contaminated surfaces.

Pilot decision making under pressure is a key focus for the ongoing probe. Airlines like United Airlines must reinforce adherence to strict landing protocols. The goal is to prevent similar aircraft slips off runway events in the future. For more on this and other industry developments, visit our commercial aviation news section commercial aviation news.

Investigators are now moving toward determining the probable cause. This final report will likely lead to new safety recommendations for the industry.