I'm a little confused by picture 8. Did they do a 180 or did they slide off while turning? Looks like they didn't make it too far down the runway.

On another note I'll bet 3 to 1 the pilot on the phone in pic 1 is either talking to the chief pilot or the union rep!

I enjoy how the press makes such a huge deal out of this. Anything to get the airlines in the news when an accident happens...

That pavement in the picture looks like you could ice skate on it.

My question is why didn't the airport authority do a better job of keeping the runways clean?

I assure you being from Iowa and knowing the Des Moines airport front and back they were doing everything in their power to keep those runways clean. Midwest mentality and a good work ethic drives the DSM airport day by day and they deserve to be commended on their clean facilities and well-taken care of field. However, growing up in Iowa I know that when a storm like this hits it comes down in sheets very quickly.

I know it doesn't look great but I know they were trying hard that day to keep things clear.

On a lighter note. When I flew with TSA for De-Icing in Houston the remarks on the 10-7 pages said De-ice- YOUR IN HOUSTON!!!

Just thought that was pretty funny.

I'll take that bet! That's not a Mesa uniform for the United system. No hats, for one.

that sux, glad it wasn't more serious...and glad no one was hurt....on the flip, glad it wasn't us...

and yeh, probably a commuter...sux to be him also.

One thing is for sure, he has 200hrs.

I actually know the guy in the picture on the phone....he lives in Des Moines and flies for Republic!!! The mesa guys were smart to stay out of the media frenzy!

It was freezing rain. Not much you can do. You couldn't get a car down that runway safely, it came that quickly and was that bad.