Aircraft stuck in mud blocks runways at Richmond airport

Airline Industry Information, Dec 24, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

An American Airlines aircraft preparing for takeoff slid off the runway and became stuck in mud on Thursday (23 December) at Richmond International Airport.

The incident forced the two main runways to be closed and delayed nearly all incoming flights, an airport spokesperson said.

At about 0820 American Airlines flight 1239, bound for Dallas-Fort Worth, became stuck in the grass next to the two main runways, which serve 98% of all air traffic at the airport. The third runway, serving domestic flights, was still operational.

The 129 passengers and five crew members of the MD-80 were evacuated, and there were no injuries. The pilot had apparently underestimated his turning radius and drove off the runway, reported The Associated Press.

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