Southwest Plane Slides Sideways On BWI Airport Taxiway

HANOVER, MD — A Southwest Airlines jet slid on the taxiway at Baltimore-Washington International Airport Wednesday morning as it was readying to take off about 10 a.m. Authorities have yet to determine what caused the mishap, although the Baltimore region received a mix of sleet and freezing rain throughout the morning.

Airport officials say Southwest flight 906 to Montego Bay, Jamaica, did not leave the runway. As the plane was taxiing for departure, it turned and stopped. No injuries were reported and everyone evacuated the aircraft.

About 12:30 p.m. BWI said on its Twitter feed that airport employees are working with airline personnel to tow the aircraft off the taxiway. Airline flights continue to operate and an airport spokesman said weather and pavement conditions were not a factor in the incident.

Passenger Donna Edmonds told WBAL TV that "the plane was not moving forward, it was moving sidewaysand forwards as well. People were wide-eyed and gripping their seats," she said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said of the incident: "Southwest Air 906 slid sideways on a taxiway while preparing for departure at BWI Airport today at 10 a.m. It remained on the taxiway and will be towed to the gate. The passengers are being deplaned/bussed to the terminal. Contact the airline for info. FAA will investigate."

Photo courtesy of BWI Airport