Jet Skids Off Runway in California

The Associated Press Sunday, March 5, 2000; 10:20 p.m. EST

BURBANK, Calif.  A Southwest Airlines 737 jet carrying an undisclosed number of passengers skidded off the end of a runway Sunday and onto a nearby street, nearly missing a gas station, an airline spokesman said.

At least one car was hit by the plane, but it was not immediately clear if there was a motorist inside, said Southwest Airline spokesman Jim Reed.

Reed said he was not immediately aware of any injuries.

The plane just missed a Chevron station and skidded to a halt on Hollywood Way, blocking traffic.

Reed did not know how many passengers were onboard, but an eyewitness said about 75 departed the plane.

Emergency vehicles were on the scene at Burbank International Airport. Officials were dousing the plane for safety precautions, but there were no reports of flames.

It was unknown whether the plane was departing or landing at the airport, which is located northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

) Copyright 2000 The Associated Press

-- (sis@home.bbb), March 06, 2000

Answers

Ya know, I don't fly because I had a bad flight once when I was younger,...but if I DID fly, after flying got off to the start it did this year...I would be thinking twice now.

-- kritter (kritter@adelphia.net), March 06, 2000.

Most of Sweetie's old flying buddies are driving for the airlines. Trust me, you don't want to hear the stories.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), March 07, 2000.

Uh, yes I do. I like hearing stories of harrowing flight experiences and drunken pilots falling over nyphomaniac stewardesses, while their mechanics laugh over the latest repair made with bubblegum, two popsicle sticks and a nickle.

-- kritter (kritter@adelphia.net), March 07, 2000.

Can't help thinking that the price of avfuel at that gas station must have been pretty good.

-- Brooks (brooksbie@hotmail.com), March 07, 2000.

Brooks ... ROTFLMAO

It's WAY to early to make me laugh this hard.

-- (Sheeple@Greener.Pastures), March 07, 2000.