JSX Embraer ERJ-145 Gear Collapse and Runway Excursion at Houston on May 3rd, 2024

On May 3rd, 2024, a JSX Embraer ERJ-145, registration N942JX, operating flight XE-284 from Dallas Love Field, Texas, to Houston Hobby Airport, Texas, experienced a landing gear collapse and runway excursion upon landing at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport. The aircraft, carrying 21 passengers and 3 crew members, was landing on runway 04 at approximately 23:00Z when the left main landing gear collapsed during the rollout. The aircraft veered off the runway to the left and came to a halt on the grass. One crew member sustained minor injuries, while all other occupants, including passengers, disembarked without further injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the gear collapse.

Detailed Event Sequence:

• Approach and Landing: The flight from Dallas Love Field to Houston Hobby had proceeded normally, with no indication of issues during the approach or landing sequence. The weather conditions at the time of landing were reported to be within normal operational limits, and there was no reported turbulence or abnormal runway conditions. The aircraft touched down on runway 04 at Hobby Airport, with no warnings or alerts issued to the crew regarding the landing gear.
• Gear Collapse and Runway Excursion: During the landing rollout, when the aircraft had already decelerated to a relatively low speed, the left main landing gear collapsed unexpectedly. This structural failure caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left and depart the runway surface. The aircraft came to rest in the grassy area adjacent to the runway, with visible damage to the undercarriage and left wing. The cockpit and fuselage remained intact, but the aircraft sustained substantial structural damage due to the gear collapse and the subsequent runway excursion.
• Crew and Passenger Response: A passenger on board reported that the landing appeared normal until a sudden jolt was felt during the rollout. The cabin crew reacted quickly, shouting “head down, brace for impact” to the passengers as the aircraft veered off the runway. Fortunately, there was no fire or further significant damage, allowing all occupants to safely evacuate. One crew member sustained minor injuries but was able to assist with the evacuation. Passengers and crew exited the aircraft via the main cabin doors after the aircraft came to a stop.

NTSB Investigation:

• Initial Investigation and Statement: Following the accident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) dispatched three investigators to Houston to begin an inquiry into the accident. The NTSB confirmed in their initial statement: “NTSB investigating an accident involving an Embraer EMB-145LR airplane (N942JX) at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport on Friday evening. Initial reports are that the left main landing gear collapsed during the landing roll.” The focus of the investigation will likely centre on the integrity of the landing gear assembly, any potential pre-existing mechanical faults, and the maintenance history of the aircraft.
• Investigative Focus: The NTSB will inspect the aircraft’s maintenance records to determine if any recent repairs or checks were conducted on the landing gear. They will also evaluate the condition of the runway surface and environmental factors, though these are unlikely to have played a major role given the absence of adverse weather conditions. Investigators will review flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) data to gain insight into the aircraft’s performance during landing, as well as the crew’s actions and communications before and during the incident. A key part of the investigation will involve assessing whether there were any undetected structural issues with the landing gear prior to touchdown.

Aircraft Damage and Grounding:

• Extent of Damage: The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its left side, particularly the left main landing gear, left wing, and undercarriage. The impact from the runway excursion may have also caused internal structural damage, which will be fully assessed as part of the investigation. It is unlikely the aircraft will return to service without significant repairs, and depending on the severity of the damage, it may be considered a write-off.
• Grounding of Aircraft: The occurrence aircraft, N942JX, remains grounded at Houston Hobby as investigators and maintenance teams examine the full extent of the damage. The runway was briefly closed following the accident to allow for the recovery of the aircraft and inspection of the runway surface.

Passenger and Crew Experience:

Passengers on board were understandably shaken by the incident, though reports suggest that the crew’s prompt actions helped to ensure a safe evacuation. The brace commands issued by the cabin crew as the aircraft veered off the runway likely helped to minimise injuries. Only one member of the crew sustained minor injuries, and all passengers were able to disembark safely.

Conclusion:

The accident involving JSX flight XE-284 highlights the unpredictable nature of landing gear failures, even at relatively low speeds during the landing rollout phase. The professionalism of the crew in managing the situation, including the quick commands to brace for impact and the safe evacuation of passengers, was critical in avoiding more serious injuries.

The NTSB investigation will provide further details regarding the cause of the left main gear collapse and will focus on identifying any contributing mechanical or structural factors. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous aircraft maintenance and inspections, particularly concerning critical components such as the landing gear. The investigation will also review whether any preventative measures could have been taken to detect and address the issue before it led to the gear collapse during landing.

The outcome of this investigation will likely provide insights that could lead to recommendations to improve safety procedures or maintenance protocols, particularly for aircraft models like the Embraer ERJ-145.