What is one contributor to runway excursions?

Runway excursions occur when an aircraft veers off the runway during takeoff or landing. One major contributor to such events is touching down outside the touchdown zone, which refers to the specific area on the runway where pilots ideally aim to land. This zone is typically the first third of the runway, where sufficient distance is available to decelerate safely.

When an aircraft lands beyond this zone, it reduces the available runway length for stopping, which can lead to insufficient runway remaining to decelerate effectively, especially if the aircraft is unable to achieve the required braking performance. Factors like speed, weight, and environmental conditions (such as wet or icy runways) may exacerbate this issue, increasing the risk of a runway excursion.

In contrast, options that involve stable approaches or landing within the designated touchdown zone are practices associated with safety and proper runway management, contributing to a reduced likelihood of excursions. Exceeding airspeed could contribute to an unsafe landing, but it doesn't directly relate to where on the runway the aircraft lands as a determinant for excursions as clearly as landing outside the touchdown zone does.