Croatia Airlines A220 May 17: Runway Incident at Split Airport

A Croatia Airlines Bombardier C-Series A220-300 aircraft experienced a serious runway incident on May 16th at Split Airport in Croatia. Flight OU-412, bound for Frankfurt with 130 passengers and 5 crew members aboard, rejected takeoff at high speed while veering toward the left runway edge. The aircraft continued off the runway surface onto grass, sustaining damage from a collision with a vertical marker and runway edge lights. All passengers and crew remained safe throughout the incident, but the event raises important questions about aircraft handling, runway safety procedures, and airport infrastructure at Split.

What Happened During the Croatia Airlines Incident

Flight OU-412 was accelerating for takeoff from runway 23 when the crew made an emergency decision to reject takeoff at approximately 123 knots over ground. The aircraft veered left toward the runway edge during deceleration. As the A220 slowed, it continued beyond the runway surface onto the grass area adjacent to the runway.

The aircraft struck a vertical marker and runway edge lights during the excursion. All 130 passengers and 5 crew members evacuated safely, with no injuries reported. The incident occurred at approximately 14:08 UTC on Saturday, May 16th, 2026.

Why the Crew Rejected Takeoff at High Speed

The exact reason for the rejected takeoff remains under investigation by aviation authorities. Crews typically abort takeoff only when they detect a critical system failure or safety concern that makes continued flight impossible. At 123 knots, the aircraft was well into the takeoff roll, making the decision to reject particularly challenging.

Possible causes include engine malfunction, hydraulic system failure, or instrument anomalies. The crew’s quick decision to abort likely prevented a more serious accident, though the high-speed rejection created the runway excursion situation.

Aircraft Damage and Safety Implications

The A220 sustained damage from striking the vertical marker and runway edge lights during the grass excursion. The extent of structural damage requires detailed inspection before the aircraft can return to service. Bombardier’s C-Series A220 is a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft with strong safety records in commercial operations.

This incident highlights the importance of runway design, including adequate safety areas beyond the runway surface. Split Airport’s runway 23 now faces inspection to ensure proper maintenance and safety infrastructure. The investigation will determine whether airport conditions contributed to the excursion severity.

Investigation and Future Safety Measures

Croatian aviation authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident. The investigation will examine flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, maintenance records, and crew statements. Findings will be shared with international aviation safety organizations including EASA and ICAO.

Results may lead to enhanced procedures at Split Airport or fleet-wide A220 inspections. Airlines and manufacturers use incident data to improve training, maintenance protocols, and aircraft systems. This transparent investigation process strengthens aviation safety across the industry.

Final Thoughts

The Croatia Airlines A220 runway incident at Split Airport on May 16th demonstrates both the effectiveness of modern safety procedures and the importance of continued vigilance in aviation. The crew’s decision to reject takeoff, though resulting in a runway excursion, prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome. With all passengers and crew safe and a thorough investigation underway, the focus now shifts to identifying root causes and implementing preventive measures. This incident reinforces that aviation safety remains a top priority across the industry.

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