This article summarizes reporting by WCNC, WHEC, and 13WHAM.

American Airlines Flight Slides Off Taxiway at Rochester Airport Amid Winter Weather

An American Airlines Commercial-Aircraft slid off a taxiway at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) on the evening of Thursday, January 15, 2026. The incident occurred shortly after the plane had undergone deicing procedures and was preparing for departure to Charlotte, North Carolina.

According to reporting by WHEC and WCNC, the Boeing 737-800, operating as American Airlines Flight 3057, lost traction due to snowy conditions and freezing temperatures. The aircraft exited the paved surface and came to a stop in the grass adjacent to the taxiway. No injuries were reported among the approximately 90 passengers and crew members on board.

Incident Details and Recovery

Flight data indicates the incident took place between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM ET. The aircraft was taxiing toward the runway for takeoff when it encountered difficulties with the slick surface. Following the slide, the plane remained upright but was unable to return to the pavement under its own power.

Local reporting confirms that a large tow truck was dispatched to the scene to retrieve the aircraft. Passengers remained on board during the initial recovery assessment before being safely transported back to the terminal. American Airlines issued a statement attributing the event to “snow and freezing temperatures” and confirmed that they were assisting customers with rebooking and accommodations.

The flight was subsequently canceled for the night. Passengers were provided with hotel accommodations, and the flight was rescheduled for departure on Friday morning.

AirPro News Analysis: A Recurring Winter Challenge

This incident marks the second time in two years that an American Airlines aircraft has exited the pavement at Rochester International Airport under similar conditions. On January 18, 2024, almost exactly two years prior, an American Eagle Embraer E145 (Flight 5811) veered into the grass after landing safely.

While the 2024 incident involved a regional jet arriving from Philadelphia and occurred during the transit to the terminal, the 2026 event involved a larger mainline Boeing 737 departing for Charlotte. Both incidents occurred on Thursday nights in January amid snowy weather, highlighting the persistent operational challenges posed by winter conditions in upstate New York.

Safety and Operational Impact

Airport operations continued despite the incident, though ground crews worked to clear the affected area. The safety protocols enacted by the flight crew and airport ground staff ensured that the situation remained controlled, with no risk to passenger safety reported during the evacuation or recovery process.

Travelers flying through the region during winter months are advised to monitor flight status closely, as deicing and runway conditions can lead to sudden delays or operational changes.

Sources

• WCNC
• WHEC
• FlightAware
• 13WHAM