Regulations & Safety
Engineered Materials Arresting Systems Prevent Runway Overrun Injuries
EMAS stopped a 2025 Roanoke runway overrun safely, highlighting key advances in aviation safety technology and infrastructure investment.
The recent incident at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, where CommuteAir Flight 4339 overran the runway during heavy rain but was safely stopped by an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS), underscores the essential role of advanced safety technologies in aviation. No injuries were reported among the 53 people aboard the United Express flight, highlighting how robust safety measures can prevent catastrophe even under adverse conditions. This event, involving a routine flight from Washington Dulles International Airport, showcased the effectiveness of EMAS, especially significant as the system had been upgraded in 2024 at a cost of $12 million.
Runway excursions remain a leading cause of aviation accidents globally. The Roanoke incident not only illustrates the persistent nature of this risk but also demonstrates the tangible benefits of investing in modern safety infrastructure. This article explores the specifics of the Roanoke case, the technology behind EMAS, broader runway safety trends, and the industry’s ongoing efforts to reduce the frequency and severity of runway excursions.
By examining expert insights, official data, and recent developments, we aim to provide a factual, balanced perspective on how safety systems like EMAS are shaping the future of aviation safety.
On September 24, 2025, CommuteAir Flight 4339, operating as United Express, landed at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport amid heavy rain. The Embraer 145 jet, carrying 50 passengers and three crew, experienced a “long landing,” touching down later than intended and unable to stop on the wet runway. According to passengers, the landing was hard and late, with one describing the brakes coming on just as the plane neared the cross runway.
The aircraft overran the runway, entering the EMAS bed installed at the runway’s end. This system, upgraded in 2024, performed as designed: the jet’s wheels sank into the crushable material, decelerating the aircraft safely. All passengers and crew were evacuated without injury, and local emergency services responded promptly. The airport temporarily closed but resumed partial operations within hours, with full service restored by morning.
The Roanoke runway is approximately 1,000 feet shorter than many commercial airports, presenting unique operational challenges. Heavy rain and limited visibility further complicated the situation, demonstrating how even routine flights can encounter unexpected hazards. The incident’s resolution highlights the importance of layered safety measures, from pilot training to ground-based technologies like EMAS.
“It suddenly went down and it had a very hard but very late landing. The brakes came on just about the time they were going to hit the cross runway.” — Steve Harrison, passenger on Flight 4339
EMAS is a ground-based safety solution designed to stop aircraft that overrun the runway. It consists of a bed of engineered, crushable material, such as cellular concrete or foamed silica, installed at the runway’s end. When an aircraft enters the EMAS, its wheels sink into the material, slowing the plane in a controlled manner and preventing more serious outcomes.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began supporting EMAS development in the 1990s to address airports where traditional safety areas could not be constructed due to space constraints. The first EMAS was installed at JFK International Airport in 1996. Today, over 120 EMAS systems are in place at more than 70 airports across the United States. Two main EMAS technologies are currently used: EMASMAX (cellular concrete blocks) and greenEMAS (foamed silica from recycled glass). Both meet FAA standards and have a perfect safety record, since 1996, EMAS has safely stopped 25 aircraft overruns, protecting nearly 500 passengers and crew with no fatalities.
“EMAS functions like a truck emergency exit ramp or a foam pit for a gymnast, letting the plane slow down but also not be destroyed.” — Prof. Ella Atkins, Virginia Tech Aerospace Engineering
Installing EMAS is a significant investment. The Roanoke upgrade, for example, cost $12 million, funded by federal, state, and local sources, including passenger facility charges. However, the cost is justified when compared to the potential financial and human losses from a serious runway excursion.
Runway excursions can lead to aircraft damage or loss, infrastructure repairs, legal claims, and prolonged airport closures. By preventing such incidents, EMAS not only saves lives but also protects airports and airlines from substantial economic repercussions.
Insurance industry data and risk assessments increasingly recognize the value of EMAS, with some insurers factoring its presence into premium calculations. The system’s track record and growing adoption reflect a broader industry commitment to proactive risk management.
Runway excursions, when an aircraft veers off or overruns the runway, are among the most common and dangerous types of aviation accidents. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), they account for the vast majority of runway-related incidents worldwide.
In 2024, runway excursions were the second most frequent accident type globally, with 20 airliner accidents reported (up from 7 in 2023). These incidents affected both jet and turboprop aircraft, with a majority occurring during landing. Certain regions, such as Africa, have seen higher rates of such accidents, underscoring the importance of context-specific safety strategies.
Business and corporate aviation is particularly affected. Between 2019 and 2024, 76 runway excursion accidents were recorded in corporate jet operations, representing 41% of all such accidents in this sector and resulting in several fatalities. Contributing factors include unstable approaches, adverse weather, and operational errors.
“Runway excursions cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries, destroy aircraft, lead to costly litigation, and negatively impact operator reputation.” — National Business Aviation Association
Weather is a major contributor to runway excursions. Heavy rain, poor visibility, and strong crosswinds increase the risk, as seen in the Roanoke incident and others, such as the Norwegian Boeing 737-800 overrun in Molde during a severe storm in December 2024. Human factors also play a role. Studies indicate that nearly half of serious runway excursions are linked to unstabilized approaches, where pilots continue to land despite not meeting approach criteria. Other factors include non-adherence to procedures, wildlife on runways, and loss of situational awareness.
Addressing these risks requires a combination of technological solutions, improved training, and robust operational procedures. EMAS is one part of a broader runway safety strategy that includes regular runway inspections, enhanced weather monitoring, and data-driven decision-making.
Aviation safety has improved dramatically over the past decade. According to the International Air Transport Association, the global accident rate has declined steadily, with 2023 marking one of the safest years on record. While 2024 saw a slight increase in accident numbers, the overall trend remains positive.
EMAS has played a key role in this progress. In September 2025 alone, three aircraft were safely stopped by EMAS beds at different U.S. Airports, including Roanoke, Chicago Executive, and Boca Raton. Each incident ended without serious injury, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness across various aircraft types and operational contexts.
The FAA and industry leaders continue to advocate for expanded EMAS deployment, not only in the U.S. but internationally. The system’s proven success is leading to its adoption in other countries, supported by technology transfer and regulatory guidance from U.S. authorities.
“These two systems did exactly what they’re designed to do, stop aircraft safely when they go off the runway.” — FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford
Experts emphasize that while EMAS is highly effective, it is intended as a last line of defense. Pilots are trained to avoid relying on it, instead aiming for stabilized approaches and safe landings under all conditions. However, when all else fails, EMAS provides a critical safety net.
Regulatory agencies, such as the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), continue to monitor runway safety data and update standards as needed. The NTSB has called for more proactive responses to identified risks, citing past failures to act on recurring Safety alerts as a lesson for the industry.
International organizations like ICAO and the Flight Safety Foundation provide toolkits and best practices to help airports and Airlines address runway excursion risks through a combination of infrastructure, technology, and operational improvements. The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport incident is a compelling example of how modern safety systems, especially EMAS, can prevent disaster in challenging conditions. The absence of injuries or fatalities, despite a runway overrun in heavy rain, validates the significant investments made in aviation safety infrastructure. The incident also highlights the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation, as new risks, such as those posed by changing weather patterns, emerge.
Looking ahead, the aviation industry must maintain its commitment to safety through ongoing investment, innovation, and international collaboration. EMAS and similar technologies will remain vital components of runway safety, but their effectiveness depends on integration with broader strategies involving training, regulation, and data-driven risk management. As air travel continues to grow, these lessons will be essential in ensuring that aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation.
What is EMAS and how does it work? How many lives has EMAS saved? Why are runway excursions still a concern? Who pays for EMAS installations? Is EMAS used outside the United States?
Aviation Safety Systems in Action: The Critical Role of Engineered Materials Arresting Systems in Preventing Catastrophic Runway Overruns
The Roanoke Airport Incident: A Case Study in Safety System Performance
Understanding Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS)
Economic and Operational Considerations
Runway Excursions: A Persistent Safety Challenge
Weather and Human Factors
Trends in Aviation Safety and the Impact of EMAS
Expert and Regulatory Perspectives
Conclusion
FAQ
EMAS (Engineered Materials Arresting System) is a bed of crushable material installed at the end of airport runways. If an aircraft overruns the runway, its wheels sink into the EMAS, slowing and stopping the plane safely.
Since its first installation in 1996, EMAS has safely stopped 25 overrunning aircraft in the U.S., protecting nearly 500 passengers and crew with no reported fatalities.
Runway excursions remain common due to factors like adverse weather, operational errors, and infrastructure limitations. While safety has improved, these incidents are difficult to eliminate entirely, making systems like EMAS essential.
Funding for EMAS typically comes from a mix of federal aviation grants, state and local contributions, and passenger facility charges.
While EMAS is most widely used in the U.S., its adoption is growing internationally, with the FAA supporting foreign airport installations.
Sources
Photo Credit: X – Twitter
Regulations & Safety
Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 Runway Excursion at Mogadishu Airport
A Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 skidded off the runway during emergency landing at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport; all 55 aboard safe with minor injuries.
This article summarizes reporting by ABC News / Associated Press and Omar Faruk.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, a passenger aircraft operated by Starsky Aviation suffered a significant runway excursion during an emergency landing at Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) in Mogadishu, Somalia. According to reporting by the Associated Press, the aircraft skidded off the runway and came to a rest on the sandy shoreline of the Indian Ocean.
Despite the severity of the crash landing, which resulted in the detachment of the aircraft’s right wing, authorities have confirmed that there were no fatalities among the passengers and crew.
The flight, identified as a domestic service operated by a Fokker 50 turboprop, departed Mogadishu in the early afternoon. Conflicting reports from local sources suggest the flight was bound for either Guriel or Galkayo. Approximately 15 minutes after departure, the flight crew declared an emergency due to a suspected technical malfunction, specifically citing engine failure, and requested an immediate return to Aden Adde International Airport.
According to verified details released by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), the pilots attempted to land on Runway 05/23. However, upon touchdown, the aircraft failed to stop within the designated tarmac area.
SCAA Director General Ahmed Moalim Hassan provided a statement regarding the sequence of events:
“The pilot tried to land the aircraft back in Mogadishu, but after touchdown, he was unable to maintain control.”
, Ahmed Moalim Hassan, SCAA Director General (via AP/Local Media)
The aircraft subsequently breached the airport’s perimeter fence and slid onto the adjacent beach. Emergency services, including airport fire crews, responded immediately to evacuate the aircraft. While the Associated Press initially reported “up to 50” people on board, updated reports indicate a total manifest of 55 people, comprised of 50 passengers and 5 crew members. All were evacuated safely, with only minor injuries reported. The aircraft involved is a Fokker 50, a turboprop commonly used for regional flights in East Africa. The operator, Starsky Aviation (formerly known as Starsom Air), is a Mogadishu-based carrier founded in 2013. The airline utilizes a fleet primarily consisting of Fokker 50 and Embraer aircraft for domestic passenger and cargo logistics.
Images circulating from the scene depict the aircraft resting on the sand with substantial structural damage, including a severed right wing. Airport officials noted that preventing a post-impact fire was a primary concern given the fuel load and the crash site’s proximity to the water.
Aden Adde International Airport is geographically unique, with its primary runway running parallel to the Indian Ocean coastline. This layout leaves little margin for error during runway excursions. As noted in historical data regarding the airport, this is not an isolated event.
While the survival of all 55 occupants is a testament to the durability of the airframe and the quick response of rescue teams, this incident reinforces concerns regarding operations at Aden Adde International Airport. The recurrence of runway excursions ending on the beach suggests that environmental factors, such as coastal wind shear, combined with aging turboprop fleets, present persistent risks.
The Fokker 50 has long been a workhorse in Somali aviation, but the frequency of hull-loss incidents involving this type in the region may prompt increased regulatory scrutiny regarding maintenance standards and pilot training for emergency return scenarios.
Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 Veers Off Runway in Mogadishu; All 55 Aboard Safe
Incident Overview and Timeline
Aircraft and Airline Background
Context: A History of Shoreline Excursions
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: X
Regulations & Safety
NJASAP Supports H.R. 7148 Enhancing FAA Funding and Aviation Safety
NJASAP applauds H.R. 7148 for securing FAA funding, staffing increases, and infrastructure upgrades to strengthen U.S. aviation safety and stability.
This article is based on an official press release from the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP).
The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), the independent labor union representing more than 3,700 pilots who fly for NetJets Aviation, Inc., has issued a formal statement applauding the enactment of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148). Signed into law by the President on February 3, 2026, the legislation secures full-year funding for the federal government, averting the operational risks associated with government shutdowns.
According to the union’s statement, the passage of H.R. 7148 represents a critical victory for the stability of the National Airspace System (NAS). NJASAP leadership highlighted that the bill not only ensures continuous operation of essential agencies but also directs significant resources toward modernizing avionics infrastructure and addressing long-standing staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A primary focus of the NJASAP’s praise centers on the specific financial allocations designed to bolster the FAA’s operational capacity. The union noted that the legislation provides $13.71 billion for FAA operations, a figure intended to stabilize the agency’s day-to-day functions.
In its release, NJASAP emphasized the importance of the bill’s provisions for workforce expansion. The legislation funds the hiring of approximately 2,500 new air traffic controllers. This surge in staffing is aimed at mitigating the persistent shortages that have strained the air traffic control system, contributed to delays, and reduced safety margins across the network.
Additionally, the bill allocates resources for 54 additional aviation safety inspectors. NJASAP views these hires as essential for maintaining rigorous oversight within the industry.
Beyond operational staffing, the union highlighted the bill’s investment in physical and technological infrastructure. The Consolidated Appropriations Act allocates $4 billion to the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). According to the press release, these funds are designated for replacing aging radar systems and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as upgrading navigation and surveillance systems.
The union also drew attention to a $100 million allocation for the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine. This funding is targeted at modernizing technology systems to reduce the backlog in pilot medical certifications, a bureaucratic bottleneck that has historically kept qualified pilots grounded for extended periods. On the policy front, NJASAP celebrated the inclusion of language explicitly prohibiting the privatization of the U.S. air traffic control system. The union has long opposed privatization efforts, arguing that the NAS must remain a public asset accountable to safety standards rather than profit motives.
Capt. Pedro Leroux, President of NJASAP, commented on the significance of the legislation in the official release:
“Congress has taken a decisive step to protect the safety and continuity of the National Airspace System by passing a full-year appropriation that prioritizes modernization, staffing and FAA readiness. As professional aviators who rely on these systems every day, we commend lawmakers for recognizing that airspace safety and stability are not optional, but are fundamental to the U.S. aviation industry.”
While the funding measures in H.R. 7148 benefit the entire aviation sector, they hold specific relevance for NetJets pilots. Unlike commercial airline pilots who primarily operate between major hubs with robust support infrastructure, fractional pilots frequently fly into a vast network of smaller, regional airports. The $4 billion investment in the Airport Improvement Program is therefore critical for maintaining safety standards at the diverse range of airfields utilized by business aviation.
Furthermore, the stability provided by a full-year appropriations bill is vital for long-term planning. Stop-gap funding measures often freeze training pipelines; by securing funding through the fiscal year, the FAA can proceed with the training of the 2,500 new controllers without interruption, a key factor in reducing system-wide congestion.
NJASAP Commends Congress on H.R. 7148 Passage, Citing Safety and Stability Wins
Strengthening FAA Operations and Staffing
Addressing the Controller Shortage
Infrastructure and Policy Protections
Aeromedical Reform and Privatization
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots
Regulations & Safety
Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft
Garmin’s GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude device, gains FAA approval for over 500 certified aircraft models, enhancing general aviation safety.
This article is based on an official press release from Garmin.
Garmin has announced that its GHA 15 Height Advisor, a radar-based altitude monitoring device, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval. Previously available only for the experimental market, this certification allows the installation of the device in over 500 models of Class I and Class II certified aircraft.
The approval marks a significant shift in the accessibility of radar altimetry for general aviation pilots. According to the company, the GHA 15 is available immediately at a price of $2,695. This pricing strategy positions the device as a cost-effective alternative to traditional radar altimeters, which have historically been priced significantly higher and reserved for business jets or commercial airliners.
The GHA 15 is designed to provide pilots with precise Height Above Ground Level (AGL) readings during the critical final phases of flight. While standard barometric altimeters rely on air pressure and can be subject to calibration errors or terrain variations, the GHA 15 uses radio frequency technology to measure the actual distance between the aircraft and the ground.
Garmin states that the device is capable of providing AGL data from 500 feet down to the surface. The system integrates with the Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument to display altitude data and generate audible callouts directly to the pilot’s headset. These callouts, such as “50 feet,” “20 feet,” and “10 feet”, are user-configurable and intended to assist pilots in judging flare height and landing timing.
“The GHA 15 provides a cost-effective solution that helps reduce pilot workload and provides confidence during the approach and landing phases of flight.”
, Garmin Press Release
The unit is a compact, all-in-one module that mounts to the underside of the aircraft fuselage. Weighing less than one pound (approximately 0.45 kg), the device is roughly the size of a deck of cards, minimizing the structural impact of installation. According to the technical details released by Garmin, the GHA 15 offers the following accuracy levels:
The FAA STC covers a broad range of single-engine and twin-engine piston aircraft (Class I and Class II). This includes popular general aviation airframes such as the Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Beechcraft Bonanza, and Mooney M20 series. To function, the GHA 15 must be interfaced with a Garmin GI 275 electronic flight instrument. For experimental aircraft, the device remains compatible with the G3X Touch flight display.
The certification of the GHA 15 represents a notable development in the “democratization” of avionics safety features. Historically, radar altimeters (such as the Garmin GRA 55) have cost upwards of $7,000, placing them out of reach for the average private pilot. By offering a certified “Height Advisor” for under $3,000, Garmin is effectively bridging the gap between recreational flying and professional-grade situational awareness. We believe this technology will be particularly valuable in three specific scenarios:
It is important to note the distinction Garmin makes by labeling this product a “Height Advisor” rather than a TSO-certified radar altimeter. While it provides similar functionality, it is intended for advisory purposes and does not replace the higher-end equipment required for complex instrument approaches like CAT II or CAT III landings.
Sources: Garmin
Garmin GHA 15 Height Advisor Receives FAA Approval for Certified Aircraft
Bringing Radar Altimetry to General Aviation
Technical Specifications and Accuracy
Installation and Compatibility
AirPro News Analysis: The Democratization of Safety Tech
Sources
Photo Credit: Garmin
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