United Express Jet Stops Safely Using EMAS at Roanoke Airport with No Injuries

A United Express regional jet, CommuteAir Flight 4339, skidded off the runway during a rainy landing at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport but was safely stopped by the engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) installed at the end of runway 16-34. The EMAS, a specialized safety bed of crushable concrete designed to safely stop overrunning aircraft, performed as intended, preventing injuries among the 50 passengers and three crew members. This marked the first emergency use of the upgraded EMAS at the airport and led to the temporary closure of all runways, with one runway reopening shortly after midnight and another remaining closed for further inspection. Public safety teams promptly assisted passengers and established a resource center at the terminal, while investigations into the cause of the runway excursion, which occurred during heavy rain, are ongoing. The Federal Aviation Administration notes that EMAS technology is installed at over 120 runways nationwide and has prevented serious accidents in more than two dozen cases. Airport officials continue to provide updates and advise travelers to check with airlines due to potential delays.