Two Airliners Stuck After Entering Snowy, Icy Area

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By Martin Weil and Clarence Williams

Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Two airliners got stuck in snow and ice last night after landing at Reagan National Airport, an airport spokesman said.

One, a Northwest Airlines flight, landed at 9:11 p.m. The other, a United Airlines flight, arrived shortly before midnight, airport spokesman Rob Yingling said.

In each case, according to Yingling, the airplanes -- both Airbuses -- turned onto an unplowed area, creating what he called an unusual event.

Yingling said notices had been sent listing the areas as temporarily closed. A spokeswoman for Northwest said its plane followed the instructions of air traffic control. United officials were not immediately reached.

Northwest said the nose wheel of its jetliner failed to clear a "snow ridge." Buses were sent to bring its 113 passengers to the terminal.

No injuries were reported.

Yingling said the planes were not near each other.

Efforts were underway early today to free both. The planes did not appear to be obstructing runways, Yingling said.

Rising temperatures have melted much of the snow and ice that covered the area last week, but much remains.

Staff Writer Eric Rich contributed to this report.