The Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is temporarily closed Friday after an aircraft skidded off a runway during a military training exercise.
At approximately 10:59 a.m. local emergency services responded a “aircraft emergency” at the airport on 900 Bland Blvd. in Newport News.
The entire call lasted nine minutes.
“We didn’t perform any tasks on scene and it was handled by the airport,” said Jim Gower, battalion chief of special operations for the Newport News Fire Department.
Jessica Wharton, spokeswoman for the airport, said a pilot from Joint Base Langley-Eustis landed an aircraft on Runway 7 before skidding off, and while no injuries were reported, the airport is temporarily closed until Langley tows the plane off the runway.
Air Force officials said the aircraft is a T-38. The pilot was the only one on board.
“Today we are fortunate that our pilots have the training they need to react in emergency situations,” said Air Force Col. Jason Hinds, 1st Fighter Wing commander. “I am thankful that everyone is safe, and thank you to the Newport News Airport for your support and understanding.”
Hinds said “a board of officers has been appointed to investigate the incident.”
Some flights are delayed or cancelled as a result of the incident. One Delta flight was diverted to Norfolk and a flight to Philadelphia was cancelled, Wharton said. Check the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport website for more details.
The airport reopened and resumed normal operations at around 4:47 p.m., shortly after Langley crews removed the aircraft from the runway.
