Story perspectives

Airbus A220-300 aborts Split takeoff, runway excursion, no injuries

5/17/2026

Summary

A220-300 Abort

An Airbus A220-300 9A-CAN aborted take-off at Split Airport on 16 May 2026, leaving runway 23 onto grass.
Flight OU412 to Frankfurt carried 130 passengers and five crew, evacuated safely with no injuries.
The left landing-gear wheel left the pavement and the PW1500G engine hit a runway sign in 17-kt wind gusting to 27 kt.
Split Airport closed for three hours, reopened around 16:00, diverted nine arrivals, delayed 15 departures and cancelled two.

Summary

Croatia Airlines Rescue

Croatia Airlines received an Airbus A220-300 in late June 2025, its newest addition.
Emergency crews towed the aircraft off the grass at Split Airport and notified the Croatian air accident investigation authority.
The airline coordinated with Split Airport, emergency services and the national aviation authority while escorting passengers and arranging alternative travel.
Croatia Airlines said passenger and crew safety is its top priority and will issue information after technical inspections.

History

Historical Context

The deadliest aviation accident on 27 March 1977, when a KLM 747 collided with a Pan Am 747 at Tenerife’s Los Rodeos Airport, killed 583 people and led to new international runway-incursion procedures and Spain invested in ground-radar upgrades. The 2026 Croatia Airlines A220-300 runway-sign strike at Split echoes the same safety concerns, driving the EU Aviation Safety Agency to review ground-interaction standards.

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A220-300 Abort

An Airbus A220-300 9A-CAN aborted take-off at Split Airport on 16 May 2026, leaving runway 23 onto grass.
Flight OU412 to Frankfurt carried 130 passengers and five crew, evacuated safely with no injuries.
The left landing-gear wheel left the pavement and the PW1500G engine hit a runway sign in 17-kt wind gusting to 27 kt.
Split Airport closed for three hours, reopened around 16:00, diverted nine arrivals, delayed 15 departures and cancelled two.

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