American Airlines plane slides off icy runway at Rochester, NY airport: Watch the incident

An American Airlines airplane skidded off an icy runway during its landing at Rochester International Airport on Thursday, ultimately coming to a halt in snowy grass just off the roadway. The aircraft, identified as American Eagle Flight 5811 from Philadelphia and operated by Piedmont Airlines, was carrying fifty passengers and three crew members. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident.

According to American Airlines, the mishap occurred as the airplane “exited the taxiway while in transit to the terminal due to snowy airfield conditions” after landing safely at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport around 4 p.m. The airline emphasized that safety is their top priority and apologized to passengers for the experience. All individuals on board deplaned safely and were transported to the terminal by bus.

In their statement, American Airlines noted that the aircraft involved would be towed from the taxiway and taken out of service for a comprehensive inspection. Monroe County Communications Director Gary Walker mentioned that the cause of the incident has not yet been determined.

Passenger Michael Trickey, speaking to Democrat and Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY network, described feeling “thankful to be safe.” Trickey recounted that the plane had landed and seemed to be slowing down for a turn when it skidded off the pavement, resulting in a sudden shock that moved passengers back and forth.

The airline industry faced additional challenges due to winter weather across the United States, with over 2,000 flights canceled and delayed on that particular Friday, particularly affecting airports in the East. Millions of Americans were bracing for a winter storm expected to bring snow, freezing temperatures, and hazardous travel conditions.

Earlier in the day, around 7:30 a.m., Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport issued a temporary ground stop for departures due to snow and ice, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This ground stop was lifted an hour later. Departing flights from New York City’s LaGuardia Airport experienced delays exceeding three hours that Friday morning, according to the FAA. Weather conditions had the potential to lead to ground stops and delays at various airports throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

American Airlines assured that the incident in Rochester would prompt a thorough inspection of the aircraft involved, reflecting the airline’s commitment to passenger safety. While the cause of the runway excursion remains under investigation, passengers expressed gratitude for their safety following the unusual landing. The airline acknowledged the disruption to travel plans and apologized for any inconvenience caused by the incident.

In the context of ongoing weather-related disruptions across the aviation industry, incidents like these highlight the challenges airlines face in ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers during adverse weather conditions. The comprehensive inspection of the aircraft involved serves as a standard practice to maintain the highest safety standards in the industry.