News > Explained: Tabletop runway a challenge, no fire was saving grace

Explained: Tabletop runway a challenge, no fire was saving grace

Indian Express | 08/08/2020 08:18 AM | Click to read full article

The Air India Express-operated Boeing 737-800 aircraft overshot Kozhikode airport’s runway — a tabletop— and fell 35 feet down a slope, resulting in the aircraft splitting into two. Kozhikode’s runway is surrounded by deep gorges on both sides.

Tabletop runways are generally constructed by chopping off the top of a hill. Landing on tabletop runways requires a precision approach with little to no room for errors. The aircraft did not catch fire upon crashing, thereby minimizing casualties.

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