A Croatia Airlines Airbus A220-300 left the runway and smashed several signs during a high-speed rejected takeoff on May 16, 2024 [1].
Runway excursions during the takeoff phase are critical safety events that often trigger extensive aviation investigations to determine if mechanical failure or pilot error occurred. The high speed of the aircraft during the abort increases the risk of structural damage and passenger injury.
The incident occurred as the aircraft was accelerating for departure [1]. Reports indicate the aircraft was traveling at over 130 knots when the crew decided to abort the takeoff [3]. Due to the speed and momentum, the plane failed to remain on the paved surface, veering off the runway and colliding with airfield signage [1].
Emergency protocols were activated following the excursion. Passengers and crew were evacuated safely from the aircraft after it came to a stop [1]. The aircraft sustained damage from the impact with the signs, a result of the high-velocity departure from the runway environment [1].
Details regarding the specific cause of the rejected takeoff have not been provided in the initial reports. Aviation authorities typically review flight data recorder information to understand why a crew chooses to abort at such a high speed, as this is generally a decision of last resort when a takeoff cannot be safely continued [1].
“The aircraft was traveling at over 130 knots when the crew decided to abort the takeoff.”
This event highlights the narrow margin of error during high-speed rejected takeoffs (RTOs). When an aircraft exceeds a certain speed threshold, the remaining runway length may be insufficient to stop the plane, leading to an overrun. The safe evacuation of all occupants suggests that emergency procedures and the aircraft's structural integrity held up despite the impact with airfield signage.
