On Thursday, January 15, officials in Monroe County, New York, reported that an American Airlines aircraft, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, experienced a runway deviation during taxiing after taking off from the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.
There were a total of 90 passengers on board the aircraft, fortunately, no one was injured.
Monroe County officials stated that airport operations personnel and firefighters promptly arrived at the scene to escort passengers back to the terminal building and assist them on-site.
American Airlines mentioned that passengers have safely returned to the terminal building via shuttle buses, and staff are currently helping them make travel arrangements. The airline expressed apologies for the inconvenience caused to the passengers, emphasizing that safety is their top priority.
Authorities in Monroe County mentioned that the cause of the aircraft veering off the runway is still under investigation but stressed that the incident was not weather-related, noting that there was no snow or ice on the runway at the time of the incident. In a statement, American Airlines mentioned that after completing de-icing operations in icy and snowy conditions, flight 3057 veered off a section of the paved surface during taxiing.
The airline announced that the flight will be delayed until Friday morning for departure, arrangements are being made to rebook passengers, and hotel accommodations will be provided for those who need it.
The aircraft involved in the incident is a Boeing 737-800.
On March 13 last year, an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 aircraft flying from Colorado Springs to Dallas-Fort Worth experienced engine smoking and a fire while taxiing after landing. All passengers and crew members safely evacuated, with 12 people treated for minor injuries. The incident was investigated by the FAA and NTSB.
(Reference: Congressional Hill Tribune)