On February 5, 2024, a Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-800 operating as Flight TR 717 experienced a runway excursion on landing at Trabzon Airport in heavy snow. The aircraft slid off the side of the runway and came to rest in a snowbank, prompting an emergency evacuation that was completed without fatalities.
The incident highlighted operational challenges during winter weather at coastal airports and renewed attention to Turkish aviation safety practices. Investigators are analyzing flight data, weather conditions, and airport procedures to determine how the excursion occurred and how similar events can be prevented.
| Flight Number | Route | Aircraft Type | Runway Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| TR 717 | Istanbul (IST) to Trabzon (TZX) | Boeing 737-800 | Contaminated with snow and ice |
| Departed 18:45 UTC | Weather: moderate snow, low visibility | Passengers: 179 | Runway length: 3,100 m |
| Landed 20:58 UTC | Wind: 210° at 14 knots | Crew: 6 | Rwy 11 wet, braking action medium |
| Outcome: No fatalities, 28 minor injuries | Evacuation completed within 20 minutes | ||
Operational Environment During Landing
Weather Factors Affecting Traction
Pilots reported moderate to heavy snow at Trabzon at the estimated time of landing, with runway surface temperatures hovering around freezing. Snow accumulation on the runway reduced tire friction, contributing to the loss of directional control during the rollout.
Wind from the southwest created a crosswind component that required corrections on approach and roll out, further challenging tire grip on the contaminated surface.
Approach and Decision-Making
The flight executed a non-precision instrument approach under instrument flight rules, with visibility below 2,000 meters and ceiling constraints. Crew chose an autoland-capable mode where available, yet manual control remained primary for touchdown.
Decision height was maintained within regulatory minima, and the landing flap configuration aligned with standard operating procedures for the aircraft type.
Safety Investigations and Regulatory Response
Data Collection and Analysis
Turkish authorities requested the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder immediately after the event. Engineers examined braking action reports, air traffic control communications, and weather telemetry to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the excursion.
The airport’s meteorological station provided on-site measurements, which indicated higher snow depth than initially reported in automated summaries.
Regulatory Actions
Aviation authorities issued interim guidance emphasizing heightened scrutiny of runway condition codes during winter operations at coastal airports. Airlines operating into Trabzon were asked to reassess their landing performance tools and crew training for marginal weather.
Turkish Airlines updated its winter ops checklist to include additional verification of braking action before commencing final approach.
Passenger Experience and Emergency Procedures
Evacuation and Medical Support
Following the runway excursion, cabin crew initiated an emergency evacuation using slides, prioritizing passengers in the forward and rear sections. Local emergency services met the aircraft and transported 28 passengers with minor injuries to nearby medical facilities primarily for cold-related stress and soft tissue complaints.
During the evacuation, noise and limited visibility due to blowing snow complicated passenger orientation, underscoring the importance of clear crew announcements and illuminated signage.
Communication with Customers
Turkish Airlines coordinated with passenger affairs teams to provide multilingual updates, hotel accommodations, and rebooking options. Many travelers noted that timely information reduced anxiety despite the disruptive event.
The airline offered compensation investigation support and reviewed its customer assistance procedures to improve response times for future disruptions.
Industry Reflection and Recommendations
- Upgrade runway friction measurement systems to provide continuous data during adverse weather.
- Standardize cross-airport training for crews on handling winter contamination at coastal locations.
- Integrate real-time weather overlays into airline performance tools to refine landing distance calculations.
- Encourage collaborative reviews between airlines, airports, and regulators after non-fatal excursions to share best practices.
- Invest in crew resource management drills that emphasize timely decision-making when runway conditions deteriorate after touchdown.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did weather conditions specifically contribute to the runway excursion?
Snow and freezing temperatures created a thin layer of ice mixed with snow on the runway, reducing braking efficiency and increasing landing distance required beyond what was available.
Were there any mechanical issues with the aircraft involved in the Turkish plane crash?
Inspection of the Boeing 737-800 found no pre-existing mechanical faults; tire wear and braking system performance remained within approved limits post incident.
What role did airport infrastructure play in the incident?
While runway lighting and signage were operational, the airport’s lack of real-time runway friction monitoring during falling snow limited proactive risk mitigation before touchdown.
How has Turkish Airlines adjusted operations after this event?
The carrier enhanced crew winter flying simulations, implemented stricter runway braking action verification, and expanded coordination with meteorologists at coastal airports.