A flight bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, made a dramatic exit from the paved taxiway late Thursday night at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, though thankfully no one was hurt, airline officials say.
American Airlines Flight 3057, carrying roughly 90 passengers, had just completed a de-icing procedure in snowy, freezing conditions when the Boeing 737 – preparing to depart for Charlotte Douglas International Airport – partially left the paved surface and slid into the surrounding grass.
While weather conditions were cold with snow on the ground, airline officials indicated they do not believe weather was the primary cause of the incident.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene, and all passengers were safely returned to the terminal. American Airlines is making arrangements for hotel accommodations and plans to have the aircraft take off again Friday morning.
Authorities, including the airport and the Federal Aviation Administration, are reviewing the situation to determine what led to the taxiway excursion