Abstract: Abstract: Base on the deformation and failure of 1406 return airway under influence of mining of E’huobulake mine in Xinjiang, we analyze the deformation and failure mechanism of 1406 return airway under influence of mining of thick and hard roof and conclude that roof caving in goaf is characterized of long cycle, strong dynamic pressure, big given deformation and big failure depth to lateral coal. Besides, unreasonable section coal pillar is another major factor. Through theoretical calculation of pillar width base on the Elastic Core Theory and numerical simulation on pillar stress and lateral pressure, 18m is determined as the reasonable width between 1404 mining face and 1406 return airway.