Why Go-Arounds Save Lives: Lessons From Unstabilized Approaches

A recent runway overrun at Prime Air, occurring on July 26th near Jacksonville International Airport in Florida, underscores the vital role of go-around procedures in aviation safety. The incident involved an aircraft experiencing an unstabilized approach, leading to a loss of control and subsequent ground contact. Investigators determined that failing to maintain appropriate airspeed during the descent contributed directly to the situation’s escalation. Implementing timely balked landings – or go-arounds – is now recognized as a crucial preventative measure against similar occurrences. These actions allow pilots to abort an unsafe approach and return to a stabilized flight path, ultimately safeguarding passenger lives.