Full Breakdown
Croatia Airlines A220-300 aborts take-off at Split
5/17/2026, 1:22:47 AM
Incident Overview
On 16 May 2026, Croatia Airlines flight OU412, an Airbus A220-300 (registration 9A-CAN) to Frankfurt, aborted take-off from runway 23 at Split Airport. The aircraft veered left, its left landing-gear wheel left the asphalt, and it stopped on the grass after striking a runway sign and edge lights. All 130-132 passengers and five crew evacuated safely; no injuries were reported.
Fleet Renewal Context
The A220-300 entered service in June 2025 as part of Croatia Airlines’ fleet-renewal programme.
Timeline
OU412 was due to depart at 13:00. At about 13:30 the crew rejected the take-off; the aircraft left the runway at 131 kt. Passengers were evacuated by 13:45, the jet was towed off by 15:30, and the airport reopened around 16:00. A replacement Airbus A319 later flew 120 passengers to Frankfurt, while ten stayed in Split.
Technical Conditions
Wind was 17 kt gusting to 27 kt, near the A220-300’s 32 kt cross-wind limit for a dry runway. The abort speed was 131 kt; damage was limited to the sign and runway-edge lights.
Operational Impact
The runway closure lasted about three hours, diverting nine arrivals, delaying 15 departures and cancelling two. The airline provided a replacement aircraft and assistance to affected passengers.
Official Statements & Responses
Croatia Airlines said the crew followed safety procedures, that all occupants were safe, and that it was coordinating with Split Airport, emergency services and the regulator while arranging a replacement aircraft. Split Airport deputy director Pero Bilas said the cause was “not yet known” and that the airport was cooperating with investigators. The Air Accident Investigation Agency (AIN) announced a formal inquiry.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Social-media video shows the aircraft applying reverse thrust before leaving the runway, with the left engine appearing to strike a sign. Eyewitnesses described a calm evacuation without emergency slides.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Passenger counts differ: airline statements list 130 passengers, while AIN reports cite 132. The precise cause of the aborted take-off remains unidentified, and full damage assessment awaits inspection.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The safety of passengers and crew remains the company’s absolute priority.” — Croatia Airlines spokesperson
- “During the aborted take-off, after braking, one of the aircraft’s landing-gear wheels came off the asphalt surface of the runway,” — Croatian Air Accident Investigation Agency (AIN)
- “All passengers and crew members are safe and no injuries have been reported.” — Croatia Airlines statement
Outlook
AIN and the Air, Maritime and Railway Accident Investigation Agency will conduct a formal investigation, with preliminary findings expected in the coming weeks. Croatia Airlines plans to finish technical inspections of the A220-300 before returning it to service and will monitor the impact on its Frankfurt schedule.
