NEAR MILLARD, Mo. — A plane ended up off the taxiway and got stuck in the mud at Kirksville Regional Airport late Friday morning.
After landing safely shortly after 11 a.m., a Contour Airlines jet apparently dropped a set of its back wheels off the edge of the taxiway as the aircraft approached the terminal.
That caused the plane to become stuck due to the ground being very soft from recent heavy rains.
Approximately 16 passengers had to get off the plane in the grass and walk the short distance to the terminal.
Airport Director Jeff Lafountain told KTVO that no one was injured.
As a result of the incident, Friday’s 2 p.m. flight was delayed until late afternoon.
Contour’s CEO Matt Chaifetz sent KTVO the following statement regarding Friday morning’s incident:
“Following a normal landing and exit from the runway, while taxiing at slow speed, the aircraft experienced an issue with the normal steering function that resulted in the left main tires departing the taxiway surface. The pilots stopped the aircraft and the passengers deplaned normally.”
Upon further questioning, Chaifetz said that the crew had warning about a potential steering issue with the aircraft.
“While the crew observed a caution light indicating a potential fault in the steering system, the pilots made several successful turns without issue after landing,” Chaifetz said. “Manufacturer guidance directs the crew to continue steering through the use of differential thrust and braking.”
Lafountain said he expects Contour flights in and out of Kirksville Regional Airport to resume on Saturday.
(Editor’s Note: Story updated with further comment from Contour CEO and to indicate Friday’s 2 p.m. flight was not canceled, but instead delayed until late afternoon.)