ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) CRJ-900 flight operated by Endeavor Air slid off the runway during landing at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in snowy conditions. All passengers and crew were unharmed, and airport authorities suspended operations due to the event, with the aircraft still positioned on site.
The jet had arrived from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and came to rest off Runway 31 during a snowstorm.
The aircraft can only be moved once the National Transportation Safety Board formally releases it, and airport operations are expected to resume after relocation and inspection.
Delta Flight Slid Off the Runway
The incident occurred on Saturday night when the 12-year-old Bombardier CRJ-900 operated under the Delta Connection brand by Endeavor Air slid off Runway 31 during landing.
WHO News Radio reported that the runway conditions were affected by active snowfall and that no one on board sustained injuries.
Passengers were transported to the terminal by bus immediately after disembarkation.
According to Simple Flying, the flight arrived with a delay of just over 30 minutes and had completed its sixth flight of the day before the runway excursion.
The NTSB is conducting a formal investigation, and airport officials confirmed that the aircraft remains on the pavement pending release from investigators.
The spokesperson added the following statement: “The aircraft remains on pavement at this time and will be moved once it is formally released by the National Transportation Safety Board.”
Airport operations were suspended following the incident to maintain ground safety and manage investigation access.
Simple Flying also reported that Delta has been contacted for comments regarding the aircraft’s condition and the operational status of future flights, with further information expected once a response is received.
Aircraft Details
The airframe was delivered to Endeavor Air in December 2012 and has remained in service for Delta’s regional network since delivery.
The CRJ-900 is configured in either 70-seat or 76-seat layouts with three cabin classes; Delta First includes 12 seats, and Delta Comfort includes 20 seats.
The main cabin varies based on configuration and holds either 38 or 44 seats depending on density requirements. Information shared in a social media post indicated there were 56 people onboard the aircraft during the incident, including passengers and flight crew.
The event unfolded at approximately 21:29 local time under low visibility due to darkness combined with winter weather.
While official findings will be available once the NTSB concludes its inquiry, meteorological data supports winter weather as a significant factor that likely contributed to runway slide risk.
Impact of Snow and Scheduling
Snow and ice are recurring challenges for aviation operations due to their impact on ground movement, runway surface conditions, braking efficiency, and aircraft aerodynamic performance.
Snow accumulation often leads to runway closures, flight delays, and cancellations. An earlier event at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) demonstrated this vulnerability when seven inches of snow resulted in over 70 canceled flights in 24 hours and triggered a $62 million investment toward 58 new snow removal vehicles.
Snow and ice buildup on aircraft surfaces can reduce lift and impair stability. De-icing protocols mitigate these risks, but severe weather still leads to extended turnarounds and operational strain.
Safety remains the primary decision driver for airlines and airports, and temporary ground disruptions are enforced whenever weather conditions cannot support safe operations.
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