Local Orlando Plane Passengers Share Their Experience of Taxiway Takeoff
Introduction to the Incident
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -NEWS10’s Anthony Krolikowski spoke with local passengers that were on the Southwest Airlines flight that almost took off on the taxiway from Orlando, Florida, to Albany. They each described how the situation did not seem as dangerous as it actually was.
Passenger Accounts of the Incident
“We did hear though from the pilot that we were on a trip to like Albania which we kinda had chuckled about,” recalled Nanci Beyerl who was on her way back from a horse conference. The plane was getting ready to take off at 9:30 in the morning.
“We were going fast and then and then abruptly stopped. I mean, really stopped. Everything went like pretty much forward. Hands on the seat ahead of us.”
Official Statement from Southwest Airlines
According to Southwest Airlines, “Flight 3278 stopped safely on a taxiway at Orlando International Airport after the Crew mistook the surface for the nearby runway. No injuries were reported.”
Reaction from Passengers and Family Members
Lisa Knowles’ son was also on the plane after a visit to his grandparents. “He said that the flight attendants and the pilots did a really nice job keeping everyone calm. I don’t even think he knows know how significant the event was.”
SUNY Plattsburgh baseball player Josh Foglia agreed that everyone was calm. He was coming home from a tournament and explained all the passengers waited patiently for an explanation.
“We were there for about twenty minutes. We pulled back in and one of the flight attendants said that they’re gonna get new pilots and then do the safety check,” described Foglia.
Aftermath and Investigation
In fact, all three passengers didn’t find out for sure what actually happened and how serious it could have been until they saw it on the news.
“I think the reality of it now has kind of come in. Especially when you see it on the news, you’re like, ‘Wait a minute. I was on that flight. I’m a grandma. I want to see my grandkids,’” described Beyerl.
It wasn’t until around 1 p.m. that the second plane took off to Albany. The FAA and NTSB are investigating.
Conclusion
The incident involving Southwest Airlines Flight 3278 highlights the importance of vigilance and safety protocols in aviation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the passengers praised the crew for keeping them calm during the ordeal. The investigation by the FAA and NTSB will provide more insight into the cause of the incident and help prevent similar mistakes in the future.
FAQs
- Q: What happened to Southwest Airlines Flight 3278?
A: The flight stopped safely on a taxiway at Orlando International Airport after the crew mistook the surface for the nearby runway. - Q: Were there any injuries reported?
A: No, there were no injuries reported. - Q: How did the passengers react to the incident?
A: The passengers reported that the crew kept them calm, and they did not realize the severity of the situation until they saw it on the news. - Q: Is there an investigation into the incident?
A: Yes, the FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident.