A Croatia Airlines Airbus A220 veered off the runway during takeoff at Split Airport. While all 137 people on board were evacuated safely, investigators are focusing on the possibility of strong crosswinds.
A Croatia Airlines Airbus A220 passenger aircraft veered off the runway during takeoff at Split Airport in Croatia. All 132 passengers and 5 crew members on board the aircraft, which was preparing to operate a flight to Frankfurt, were evacuated safely, and no fatalities or injuries were reported. Initial findings have raised the possibility of strong crosswinds, while the exact cause of the incident will be clarified following the official investigation launched into the event.
The Airbus A220 (9A-CAN), scheduled to operate Croatia Airlines flight OU 412 from Split to Frankfurt, lost control during the takeoff roll and moved onto the grassy area beside the runway. It was reported that the aircraft struck runway lights and vertical marker posts during the incident.
Aircraft Left the Runway During Takeoff
According to a statement by Split Airport Deputy Director Pero Bilas, the incident occurred at around 13:30 local time.
Bilas stated that the aircraft exited the runway for reasons not yet determined while accelerating for takeoff, adding that some runway equipment was damaged during the event.
According to unofficial reports, the aircraft’s left engine sustained damage, while technical inspections are still ongoing.
137 People Evacuated Safely
The 132 passengers and 5 crew members on board were evacuated from the aircraft safely shortly after the incident. It was reported that emergency slides were not used during the evacuation, and passengers were evacuated via stairs.
Emergency protocols at the airport were activated immediately, while firefighting teams and rescue personnel quickly arrived at the scene. Authorities stated that the evacuation process was completed in approximately 20 minutes.
Officials confirmed that there were no injuries, although passengers experienced significant panic during the incident.
Strong Crosswind Possibility Under Investigation
Following the accident, attention turned to the cause of the incident. Initial assessments indicated that strong crosswinds affecting the area around Split Airport may have played a role.
Darko Petrin, Chief Investigator at the Croatian Air Accident Investigation Agency, stated that the investigation is ongoing and made the following remarks:
“We do not yet know exactly what happened. The incident occurred while the takeoff was being aborted and the pilots were braking. One of the aircraft’s wheels left the runway. The exact cause will be determined following the technical investigation.”
Operational Process Initiated at Split Airport
It was reported that technical teams had begun operations to remove the Airbus A220 remaining on the runway following the incident. Split Airport management stated that it is working in coordination with the Croatian Civil Aviation Authority (HACZ) and air accident investigation teams.
The technical investigation is expected to be carried out comprehensively, including pilot operations, runway conditions, meteorological data, and the braking process.
Airbus A220 Program Back in the Spotlight
Airbus A220 aircraft, which have become increasingly common on short- and medium-haul routes in recent years, stand out for their fuel efficiency and modern cockpit systems. However, takeoff and landing performance under strong crosswind conditions remain among the operational factors closely monitored by aviation authorities.
Following the incident in Split, technical reports are expected to be closely watched by the aviation industry in terms of A220 operations.
