Runway Excursion
An event in which an aircraft departs the side or end of a runway surface during landing, take-off, or a rejected take-off.
Full Definition
A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft fails to remain within the confines of the runway strip, either by veering off the side (veer-off) or overrunning the end (overrun). It is distinct from a runway incursion, which involves an unauthorised presence on the runway. Runway excursion data is tracked by bodies such as ICAO and the Flight Safety Foundation as part of accident prevention programmes. Editors should note the two sub-types — overrun and veer-off — and apply them accurately in safety and incident reporting documents. The term should not be abbreviated in formal safety publications.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish clearly from 'runway incursion' in all editorial contexts — the two terms describe fundamentally different types of safety events.
In Context
- "The preliminary investigation indicated that the runway excursion resulted from aquaplaning on a contaminated surface." — Occurrence investigation summary
- "RESA requirements were reviewed following two runway excursion events at the aerodrome." — Airport safety audit report