In a recent incident at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport in New York, American Eagle Flight 5811, operated by Piedmont and a subsidiary of American Airlines, slid off the runway due to icy and snowy conditions. The Embraer E145 aircraft, which had departed from Philadelphia, experienced the mishap upon landing at approximately 4 p.m.
Despite the unsettling incident, no injuries were reported among the 50 passengers and three crew members on board. Emergency personnel and various agencies quickly responded to the scene, with crews actively engaged in efforts to safely remove the aircraft from the runway. Video footage shared on social media depicted emergency service crews assisting passengers onto the snow-covered field.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident, which was attributed to the “snowy airfield conditions” resulting from light snowstorms in the area. American Airlines assured that safety is their top priority and issued an apology to customers for any inconvenience caused. Passengers on board the flight were safely deplaned and transported to the terminal by bus.
The aircraft, having completed the 300-mile journey from Philadelphia International Airport, landed nearly an hour behind schedule according to FlightAware data. The plane was expected to be towed from the taxiway and subsequently taken out of service for a thorough inspection.
🚨#BREAKING: American Eagle Jet has Slide Off Runway at Rochester International Airport
📌#Rochester | #NewYork
Currently numerous Emergency personnel and other agencies are on the scene to an aircraft accident at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester Airport in Rochester, New… pic.twitter.com/mik3BVPaEn
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 18, 2024
The incident occurred amidst ongoing snowy weather, and the region is anticipating additional heavy snowfall in the coming days, with nearby Buffalo expecting significant snow accumulation. Despite the challenging conditions, the quick response of emergency personnel and the successful evacuation of passengers without injuries underscore the importance of prioritizing safety in aviation operations.
As the FAA continues its investigation, American Airlines emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and expressed regret for any disruption caused by the incident. The proactive measures taken by the airline, including a full inspection of the aircraft, align with industry standards to ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of air travel.