From Valleynewslive · · 2m
Safety system stops plane overruns but most airports lack it
EMAS technology could save lives in runway overruns but only 70 US airports have it installed.
In brief
EMAS technology could save lives in runway overruns but only 70 US airports have it installed. EMAS systems prevent plane crashes in runway overruns but most US airports lack the technology. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Miami crash aftermath
NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy called the crash 'devastating. utter devastation' after an Amazon cargo plane overshot Miami International Airport runway.
“Devastating. Utter devastation”
Runway overrun details
The Boeing 767 overshot the runway by 1,200 feet killing five people and is classified as an 'excursion' by the NTSB.
“excursion”
EMAS technology
Engineered material arresting system uses crushable concrete blocks to slow planes in runway overruns.
“crushable concrete”
EMAS manufacturer
Runway Safe is the sole US manufacturer of EMAS approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.
“Runway Safe”
EMAS installation
An average of 3,000-3,500 EMAS blocks are needed to create a system that slows planes in overruns.
“3,000-3,500 blocks”
EMAS effectiveness
EMAS has stopped 26 aircraft overruns including Boeing 737s and Cessnas carrying passengers.
“26 overruns”
EMAS adoption
Only 70 US airports have EMAS installed with 12 at major airports including JFK, O'Hare and Logan.
“70 domestic facilities”
Runway safety zones
FAA requires 1,000-foot safety zones beyond runway ends but many airports lack space for them.
“1,000-foot safety zones”
Runway safety risks
InvestigateTV mapped danger zones where public roads run through potential overrun areas at 500+ airports.
“500 commercial airports”
Airport responses
BWI, BNA and PHX airports use displaced thresholds to meet FAA safety standards instead of EMAS.
“displaced thresholds”
Miami runway limits
The Miami runway had a 1,000-foot safety zone but the plane overshot by 1,200 feet.
“1,200 feet”
EMAS speed limits
EMAS systems are designed to stop planes moving up to 70 knots but the Miami plane left at 112 knots.
“70 knots”
EMAS limitations
EMAS cannot stop heavier aircraft or planes moving faster than 70 knots.
“70 knots”
2019 Maryland crash
A 2019 general aviation plane crashed through Maryland fencing after overrunning runway.
“2019”
What next
NTSB is evaluating whether EMAS could have helped slow the Miami plane in the crash.
“evaluating”
The essence
EMAS systems prevent plane crashes in runway overruns but most US airports lack the technology.
