QUEENS — Pilot error led to a Delta plane skidding off a snowy LaGuardia Airport runway and injuring several passengers, National Transportation Safety Board officials said during a Tuesday meeting.
The plane’s captain used too much reverse thrust while landing, according to the NTSB. It caused the pilots to lose rudder control and sent the aircraft sliding into an earthen berm just feet from Flushing Bay on a snowy March 5, 2015.
All 127 passengers survived the crash but five were taken to the hospital.
The NTSB made 14 recommendations to prevent similar incidents including developing industry-wide best practices for pilots using reverse engine thrust.
Several people on the Atlanta to New York flight shared photos and videos after the landing, including New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell.
Delta Airlines released a statement Tuesday saying its "top priority" is passenger safety.
"We cooperated with the National Transportation Safety Board during the course of the investigation and we respect their findings, conclusions and recommendations," the statement read.
"Delta leaders will use this NTSB guidance to further enhance the safety of our global operation."
