Advanced Runway Safety System Averts Potential Disaster at Chicago Airport
An advanced runway safety system successfully stopped a Gulfstream G150 business jet that overran a wet runway at Chicago Executive Airport, preventing potential injuries and property damage beyond the airport. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 3rd, around 12:30 p.m.
The aircraft, arriving from Baltimore with two people aboard, touched down on Runway 34 during light rain conditions. The 5,000-foot runway was reported as “100% wet” by air traffic controllers. According to witness accounts, the jet touched down roughly halfway down the runway and could not stop before exiting the pavement.
The aircraft was successfully halted by an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS), which uses crushable concrete blocks designed to rapidly decelerate aircraft through controlled tire penetration.
Airport executive director Jeff Miller estimated about 20% of the northern arresting system was damaged during the emergency, but noted the system performed exactly as designed. “Yesterday’s incident clearly demonstrates the lifesaving value of EMAS technology,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “This system did exactly what it’s designed to do – stop aircraft safely when they go off the runway.”
The runway reopened Wednesday night after cleanup, and both pilots were unharmed.