A Boeing 737 operated by Norwegian Air Shuttle came perilously close to disaster when it skidded off the runway during landing at Molde Airport, Norway, on December 19, 2024. The aircraft, which had departed from Oslo, was carrying 171 individuals, including 165 passengers and 6 crew members, all of whom emerged unscathed.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 6:19 PM local time, as the flight attempted to land under challenging weather conditions. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, came to stop just 15 meters from the sea after overrunning the runway by approximately 150 meters.
Videos shared on social media captured the moment the aircraft touched down with alarming speed only to veer off course and halt perilously close to the water’s edge. Passengers were evacuated via emergency slides, their expressions reflecting the tension of the moment.
Conditions at the time of landing featured strong winds and wet surfaces, attributed to lower temperatures. A spokesperson for Norwegian Air Shuttle confirmed, "The aircraft was caught by strong winds, and the runway was slippery due to low temperatures." The runway was temporarily closed following the incident, halting all flight operations.
The Norwegian transport authority Avinor and local police underscored the need for thorough assessments, stating, "We are still assessing the runway conditions; it’s too early to determine anything conclusively." This highlights the uncertainty surrounding the factors contributing to the safety incident.
The flight, initially delayed by one hour, was expected to last approximately 45 minutes. Passengers had begun their holiday travels, making the outcome of the incident all the more significant.
After the emergency evacuation, responders quickly arrived on the scene to manage the situation and provide assistance to those onboard. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the passengers were able to disembark safely.
The investigation by the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority is underway to ascertain the exact reasons behind the runway excursion. This will likely involve examining the weather conditions, runway status, and other factors contributing to the aircraft's instability during landing.
Harsh winter weather is not uncommon in Norway, especially during December. The inquiry will aim to establish whether proper safety protocols were followed during the landing procedures under such conditions.
Incidents of this nature underline the importance of rigorous safety measures and continuing education for flight crews managing emergency situations. It also calls attention to the extremes faced by airlines operating in challenging environments.
Looking forward, Norwegian Air Shuttle and aviation authorities will likely review protocols to prevent similar incidents. The quick actions taken during the evacuation and the absence of injuries reflect preparedness, but improvements may still be recommended.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance, adherence to safety protocols, and preparedness for adverse conditions.
Passengers left with adrenaline-fueled memories of the incident expressed mixed feelings of shock and relief, grateful for their safety but rattled by the experience. Reports of their accounts will be pivotal as the investigation progresses and findings emerge.
