Surveillance video and newly released cockpit audio show a United Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX veering off the pavement at George Bush Intercontinental Airport after landing on a wet runway in March 2024, ending with the jet tilted in the grass and its left main gear collapsed.
The material, part of an ongoing National Transportation Safety Board review, captures the final seconds of United Flight 2477 from Memphis as it rolled past a taxiway and slipped off the edge. About 160 passengers and crew were on board; none were hurt. The records include air traffic communications, crew interviews and a performance study that focuses on the landing rollout, braking and reverse thrust. Investigators have not issued a probable cause. The release renews scrutiny of cockpit decisions and surface conditions during a busy arrival period at one of the nation’s largest hubs.
Video shows the jet tracking the centerline before drifting into the safety area near the end of the runway. In the cockpit audio, the captain is heard exclaiming in shock and apologizing to the first officer moments after the slide. He later told investigators that braking felt ineffective near the runway’s end and that stronger pedal input caused violent shaking. The aircraft came to rest with its left wingtip and engine nacelle near the grass, and passengers evacuated via stairs after emergency crews arrived. “I can’t believe this happened,” the captain said on the recording, while the first officer replied that he had not felt unsafe.
Preliminary analysis highlights several factors under review: early retraction of speed brakes, automatic brakes that disengaged, reduced reverse thrust during the rollout and a wet surface that may have lengthened stopping distance. Controllers had encouraged the crew to keep speed up for traffic, according to records, a routine instruction that investigators say can add urgency but does not direct pilots to exceed safe limits. The left main gear collapsed after striking an underground structure off the pavement, damaging the assembly. Despite the dramatic scene, airport operations resumed quickly and no fuel spill was reported.
United Flight 2477 landed during a period of high arrivals typical for the afternoon bank at Bush Intercontinental. The crew had expected to exit near the end, a practice the captain told interviewers he had done “hundreds of times,” favoring minimal braking for passenger comfort when conditions allowed. Investigators are comparing that habit to the day’s rainfall, braking action reports and runway friction. The NTSB performance study examined flight data recorder inputs for throttle, autobrake and spoilers, and mapped them against the jet’s speed and position on rollout.
The Houston excursion came in a year that saw several high-profile United incidents at different airports, drawing attention from regulators and travelers. Safety experts note that runway excursions remain among aviation’s most common accidents worldwide, often tied to weather, crew judgments and runway conditions. Bush Intercontinental has engineered safety areas and rapid-response protocols, which helped limit consequences in this case. Local media recorded traffic delays, but no long-term operational impact was reported at the airport.
Procedurally, the NTSB will continue reviewing interviews, flight data and maintenance records before issuing a final report with findings and any safety recommendations. That process typically includes simulations, metallurgical exams of broken components and a review of training and standard operating procedures. The Federal Aviation Administration monitors the inquiry and may consider advisories or training emphasis items depending on the board’s conclusions. United said it is cooperating with investigators. No timeline has been announced for a probable-cause determination.
Travelers at the time recalled seeing fire engines stage near the runway as the jet came to a stop. One passenger said buses arrived within minutes to move people to the terminal while crews inspected the aircraft. Ground workers described soft turf and ruts from the landing gear as the plane settled. By evening, the aircraft had been lifted for removal and the runway and taxiway were inspected before reopening to routine traffic.
As of Friday, the Houston incident remains under investigation with no injuries reported and a damaged aircraft awaiting final disposition. Officials said the next milestone will be an NTSB update summarizing technical analyses and any operational recommendations.
Author note: Last updated January 2, 2026.