Jumbo Jet Taxied Into Overrun Area

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating an incident Tuesday night at Miami International Airport, involving a British Airways Boeing 747.

At approximately 6:15 pm EST, December 26, British Airways flight 209 from London landed on runway 30 at Miami International Airport. The aircraft was a Boeing 747-400, registration G-BNLM.

After slowing to taxi speed, the aircraft taxied beyond the end of the runway and went into the paved runway overrun area. In the process, it knocked down two approximately 12-inch-high approach lights for runway 12.

As Aero-News reported, there were no injuries to the 343 persons aboard, including British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his family. (The reason, no doubt, for the safety board's involvement in investigating a relatively minor runway mishap -- Ed.)

The aircraft was towed onto a taxiway, at which time it proceeded under its own power to the gate. An inspection revealed no damage to the aircraft or its tires, and it subsequently departed on its scheduled return flight to London.

Jeff Kennedy from the NTSB's Southeast Regional Office in Miami is the Investigator-in-Charge of this incident.

Damage to the runway lights has been documented and the Safety Board will collect statements from the flight crew.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov, www.britishairways.com