Plane slides off runway in SYR

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- Buffeted by strong winds and blowing snow, a
Continental Express jet slid off a runway Tuesday while taxiing at
Syracuse's Hancock International Airport.

There were no injuries among the flight's 30 passengers and crew of
three, said Aviation Commissioner Anthony Mancuso. Flight 2576 was
headed to Newark, with some passengers ultimately traveling to Puerto Rico.

Passengers said the pilot was trying to taxi off the runway and as he
was turning the jet, it slid off the tarmac and became stuck in a ditch
in the snow.

Wind gusts of up to 35 mph were recorded in Syracuse Tuesday.

Passengers said they felt no jolts or bumps, adding they didn't even
realize the plane was left tilted on the runway until they were taken
off and redirected on to other flights.

"They told us we were stuck there because of zero visibility. After that
we found out the plane was stuck. Then, when we actually got off it, we
noticed it was off the runway," passenger Jason Streeter told WTVH-TV.

"They told us we were stuck there because of zero visibility.
After that we found out the plane was stuck. Then, when we
actually got off it, we noticed it was off the runway," passenger
Jason Streeter told WTVH-TV.

Lies. Always the lies. Is it not possible for an airline, for an
agent, for an air crew - to ever tell passengers the truth?

Lies. Always the lies. Is it not possible for an airline, for an
agent, for an air crew - to ever tell passengers the truth?

Drives me freaking crazy!!!

"We've just got an indicator light, so we'll have that checked out and push
back in a few moments." Two hours later you're back at the gate.

"The inbound plane has just arrived. We just need a few minutes to clean it
up and then we'll board." 60 minutes later you're boarding.

"We just need to de-ice but we'll be on our way very shortly." 90 minutes
later you're taking off.

Grrr... I don't mind the delays, they're unavoidable, but TELL US THE
TRUTH!!!

Cheers,
Geoff Glave
Vancouver, Canada