The NTSB released surveillance footage and documents showing United Flight 2477 skidding off a runway at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport on March 8, 2024. The aircraft — carrying 160 passengers and six crew — exited the runway in rainy conditions and came to rest on its side; everyone was evacuated with no injuries. Cockpit audio captures the captain saying, "I can't believe I did this," and cites the wet runway as a likely factor. The NTSB investigation is ongoing.
NTSB Releases Footage of United Flight 2477 Skidding Off Houston Runway — Captain: "I Can't Believe I Did This"
National Transportation Safety BoardFootage of the runway incident involving United Airlines Flight 2477
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released new surveillance footage and documents showing the moment United Airlines Flight 2477 skidded off the runway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston.
What happened: On March 8, 2024, United Flight 2477, arriving from Memphis International Airport with 160 passengers and six crew members on board, left the paved surface and came to rest on its side in a grassy area after landing. All occupants were evacuated and no injuries were reported.
National Transportation Safety BoardUnited Airlines Flight 2477 seen in the grass after it rolled off the runway
New Evidence Released
As part of the agency’s ongoing investigation, the NTSB released surveillance video and related documents on Dec. 31. The footage shows the aircraft touching down in rainy conditions shortly after another plane landed, rolling down the runway, initiating a turn, and then unexpectedly veering left into the grass. Emergency response vehicles converge on the scene moments later.
Pilot Account and Cockpit Audio
In a Nov. 25 report quoted by the NTSB, Captain Alireza Johartchi, 61, said he "pressed harder on the brakes" because the airplane was not decelerating as he expected and that he later "sensed" the aircraft was traveling faster than normal as he neared the runway end. He described the sensation just before the left main gear and nosewheel entered the grass:
Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle/APUnited Airlines Flight 2477 in the grass after it rolled off the runway in Houston
"While holding the brakes, I felt like I'm airborne. Literally saying I'm separated from the concrete. I wasn't. I'm sliding. By the time it came to a slow deceleration the concrete ended."
The cockpit voice recorder transcript released by the NTSB captures the immediate aftermath. Captain Johartchi can be heard saying, "Oh my god. I can't believe this happened," and later, "I can't believe I did this," as he asks First Officer Michael Dickson, 38, to contact the tower and check for smoke or fire. He also remarks that the wet runway likely contributed and expresses concern about being disciplined and about videos spreading on social media.
Airline Response and Investigation Status
United Airlines did not comment to the outlet that first reported the released materials. At the time of the incident, United said the aircraft "exited the taxiway into a grassy area" after landing in rainy conditions; passengers were bused to the terminal and assisted with onward connections and other needs.
The NTSB’s investigation remains active. The newly released video and documents are part of the agency’s effort to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors, including runway conditions, braking performance and crew actions.
Key facts: March 8, 2024 incident; 160 passengers and six crew; no injuries; NTSB footage and cockpit audio released; investigation ongoing.
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