This paper takes the deformation and failure characteristics of the return airway in the Zhenchengdi coal mine section as the research object, and analyzes the causes of its severe deformation and damage. By adopting the three-stage experimental roadway for on-site experimental analysis, it is found that only by increasing the support strength has a limited effect on the surrounding rock control of the roadway. Based on the principle of “high resistance to pressure”, the design adopts the long bolt and anchor cable spray support, and through the application in the field, it has achieved better support effect.