Two Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) stopped aircraft during runway overruns at two different airports on September 3, 2025. EMAS consists of lightweight, crushable material placed at the end of runways to slow or stop planes that go off course.
At Chicago Executive Airport in Illinois, a Gulfstream G150 overran the runway and was brought to a halt by the EMAS system. There were two people on board, and no serious injuries occurred. A similar event took place at Boca Raton Airport in Florida, where a Bombardier Challenger 300 overshot the runway during landing and was stopped by an EMAS bed. Four people were aboard, with no serious injuries reported.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated: “Yesterday’s incidents in Chicago and Boca Raton clearly demonstrate the lifesaving value of EMAS technology. These two systems did exactly what they’re designed to do—stop aircraft safely when they go off the runway. This technology is making a real difference in preventing serious accidents.”
Currently, there are 122 EMAS systems installed at 70 airports across the United States.
