Overview
• Operator: National Cargo
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 747-400 Freighter
• Registration: N663CA
• Flight Number: N8-470
• Route: Anchorage (AK) to Cherry Point (NC), USA
• Date: 24 January 2025
• Occupants: Unspecified (crew only)
• Injuries: None
• Aircraft Status: No damage reported
Incident Summary
A National Cargo Boeing 747-400 freighter operating flight N8-470 from Anchorage, Alaska, to Cherry Point, North Carolina, experienced a runway overrun upon landing at Cherry Point’s runway 05R. The aircraft overran the end of the paved surface by approximately 30 meters (100 feet).
There were no reported injuries, and the aircraft did not sustain damage.
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Landing
• The aircraft was on final approach to runway 05R at Cherry Point.
• Weather conditions at the time of landing have not yet been disclosed.
2. Runway Overrun
• The aircraft touched down within the landing zone but failed to stop within the available runway length.
• The aircraft overshot the end of the paved surface by approximately 30 meters (100 feet).
3. Braking Issues Reported
• According to preliminary reports, brake system malfunctions may have contributed to the overrun.
• No additional technical details regarding the braking anomaly have been released.
4. Aftermath
• No injuries were reported among the crew.
• The aircraft remained structurally intact, and no damage was observed.
• Recovery efforts ensured the aircraft was safely moved from the overrun area.
Investigation and Safety Actions
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Cargo’s maintenance teams are investigating the incident.
• Investigators are focusing on:
• Potential brake system failure and hydraulic system functionality.
• Landing rollout conditions, including runway surface friction and braking action reports.
• Aircraft weight and landing performance data at the time of the incident.
• Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) analysis.
Aircraft Status
• The Boeing 747-400 freighter (N663CA) remains at Cherry Point pending inspection and maintenance clearance.
• National Cargo has not yet confirmed whether the aircraft has returned to service.
Safety Considerations and Analysis
• Braking System Failures in Heavy Cargo Aircraft
• The 747-400F is a long-haul cargo aircraft with a maximum landing weight of 295,000 kg (650,000 lbs).
• Any braking system failure at landing speed could significantly affect stopping distance, increasing the risk of a runway overrun.
• Landing Performance and Runway Length
• Cherry Point’s runway 05R is 8,002 feet (2,439 meters) long.
• While sufficient for normal 747-400 landings, an overrun suggests possible braking inefficiency, higher landing speed, or operational factors.
• Preventative Measures
• If confirmed as a braking system issue, the incident may prompt fleet-wide maintenance checks on National Cargo’s 747-400 braking and hydraulic systems.
• Landing procedures may be reviewed, including touchdown point precision and thrust reverser application.
Ongoing Investigation
• The FAA and National Cargo are conducting an inquiry into the braking system function and landing rollout conditions.
• No immediate regulatory action has been announced.
• Further updates will be provided as official findings become available.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 29 January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
