Runway Incident at Split Airport: Croatia Airlines Flight OU412 Experiences Aborted Take-Off

On May 16, 2026, a troubling incident unfolded at Split Airport, as Croatia Airlines flight OU412, bound for Frankfurt, Germany, was forced to abort its take-off. The Airbus A220-300, with registration 9A-CAN, was carrying a total of 135 individuals, including 130 passengers and five crew members, when it encountered an emergency during high-speed acceleration on Runway 23.

As the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 131 knots (around 242 km/h), the flight crew decided to abort the take-off, setting into motion a swift sequence of events that led to a rejected take-off (RTO). Unfortunately, during this emergency procedure, the aircraft lost stability and veered off the paved runway, landing on the grassy shoulder of the airstrip. Despite this alarming situation, all passengers and crew evacuated safely, showcasing the effectiveness of airline safety measures and emergency protocols.

Safe Evacuation amidst Airport Disruptions

Thankfully, the evacuation process was executed seamlessly. The cabin crew managed to direct passengers off the aircraft using airport stairs, avoiding the need for emergency slides. Despite the aircraft sustaining damage—particularly to its left landing gear and engine housing—no one aboard suffered any injuries. The incident prompted Split Airport to temporarily halt all operations, leading to a flurry of diversions, delays, and cancellations affecting numerous other flights.

Operational Impact and Airport Shutdown

The runway excursion led to a three-hour suspension of flight operations at Split Airport, a critical hub, especially during the bustling tourism season. Ground crews swiftly initiated recovery efforts for the Airbus while alternate inbound flights were rerouted to nearby airports, including Zagreb and Zadar. The widespread disruptions had a cascading effect on air traffic, resulting in significant delays for around fifteen departing flights alongside the diversion of nine inbound flights.

This incident underlined the intricacies and challenges of modern air travel, as one unforeseen event can send shockwaves through both domestic and international flight schedules, impacting countless travelers.
To facilitate logistics during this turbulence, airport staff and airline representatives promptly coordinated rebooking and accommodations for those affected, ensuring smooth transitions for travelers who were left in limbo.

Investigation Launched to Uncover Causes

Croatian authorities wasted no time in initiating a formal safety investigation into the incident. Led by the Air, Maritime and Railway Accident Investigation Agency (AIN) in collaboration with the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency, the investigation will delve into numerous factors, including:

• Aircraft systems performance
• Analysis of flight data recorders and cockpit voice recordings
• Environmental conditions at the time, including wind conditions
• Crew decision-making processes
• Runway conditions during the incident

Preliminary reports suggest that the environmental conditions at the time were suboptimal, with crosswinds ranging around 17 knots and gusts reaching up to 27 knots, possibly contributing to the aircraft’s instability during the critical high-speed braking sequence.

Aviation Safety and Future Precautions

This incident serves as a reminder of the rigorous safety protocols that govern modern aviation. Investigators aim to identify lessons learned to enhance future operational safety. The continuing investigation will examine aspects such as crew training and airport emergency preparedness to further bolster confidence in air travel.

Split Airport Resumes Operations

Once the aircraft was safely removed from the runway and inspections were completed, Split Airport reopened, restoring its vital role in connecting travelers along the stunning Adriatic coast of Croatia. Flights resumed gradually, helping to minimize long-lasting disruption while ensuring ongoing service for both international and domestic travelers.

This incident reiterates the importance of airport safety measures and the resilience of travel infrastructure as it adapts to unexpected challenges. As travel enthusiasts prepare to explore the beautiful landscapes of Croatia, it’s essential to remain informed and adaptable during their journeys.

Image: Croatia Airlines

Source: The post Croatia Airlines Flight OU412 from Split to Frankfurt Skids Off Runway During High-Speed Aborted Take-Off at Split Airport, All 135 On Board Safe Amid Airport Shutdown and Travel Chaos first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.

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