EMAS Plays Key Role in Safe Aircraft Stops During Runway Overruns
Two separate incidents involving Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) underscored their importance following runway overruns by aircraft on September 3, 2025. The incidents highlighted the critical function of EMAS technology in averting potentially disastrous runway overruns.
Chicago Executive Airport Incident
The initial incident involved a Gulfstream G150, registered as N1927G, operated by Priester Aviation. While landing at Chicago Executive Airport after a flight from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, the Gulfstream overshot its landing and breached a boundary fence. The EMAS arrestor bed safely halted the aircraft.
- Time: Around 12:30 local time
- Runway: 34, conditions: 100% wet due to light rain
- Outcome: The aircraft stopped in the EMAS with no injuries reported
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford praised the efficacy of EMAS, which effectively prevented a severe accident.
Boca Raton Airport Incident
A Bombardier Challenger 300, with registration N776CJ and operated by Jet Linx Aviation, encountered a similar issue at Boca Raton Airport. Departing Las Vegas-Harry Reid International Airport, the aircraft overran runway 05 upon landing.
- Landing time: 17:10 local
- Speed: Over 50 knots entering EMAS
- Persons on board: Four, none injured
Videos depicted the aircraft stopped near a bustling intersection, with the EMAS doing its job of preventing an accident. The aircraft has remained grounded since the incident.
EMAS Technology: A Safety Measure at Airports
EMAS beds, made of crushable material, slow overshooting, undershooting, or veering-off aircraft. Installed across 122 systems at 70 U.S. airports, they have safeguarded 438 individuals aboard 24 aircraft as of March 2025. Here are some relevant statistics:
| Airport | Aircraft Stopped | Lives Saved |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | 1 | 7 |
| New York (JFK) | 3 | 36 |
| West Virginia (CRW) | 1 | 34 |
| Palm Beach (PBI) | 1 | 8 |
| Teterboro (TEB) | 1 | 10 |
Across the nation, 118 runway ends have EMASMAX systems, while one airport features four greenEMAS systems. Runway Safe, the exclusive EMAS product supplier, offers EMASMAX and greenEMAS to meet FAA standards. The FAA’s ongoing work, including EMAS, aims at enhancing safety across 1,000 runway ends.
