New runway barriers save a jet at Teterboro

(New Jersey - WABC, October 26, 2006) (WABC) -- New barriers are already being put to the test at Tetetoro Airport. A small plane skidded off a runway last night, hitting a protective wall.

Eyewitness News' Ken Rosato is live at Teterboro with the latest.

The roar of jet engines, a sound that many have gotten used to in the area surround Teteboro Airport. And while scores of planes take off and land safely here everyday, there have been five significant mishaps in the past two-and-a-half years alone. The latest, just last night.

Dennis McNerney, Bergen County Executive: "They could've came right on to the highway and that would of been disastrous."

This incident involved a ten ton challenger jet had just landed. While taxing toward the runway, it appears the pilot missed a turn and was headed toward the airport fence and busy Route 46, just feet beyond.

Dennis McNerney: "They were coming in from a landing from St. Louis and hit an arrestor bed."

An arrestor bed is a system of collapseable concrete barriers that can stop a plane from rolling into danger while not damaging the vessel.

The arrestors had just been installed a few days ago and appeared to have worked flawlessly, keeping the eight people aboard the jet and the pilot safe.

Area Resident: "It's nice to know that they've taken some extra caution in doing that because it was a little scary seeing that, so close to home."

Area Resident; "The safety aspect is great, you know, and the airport is great to the community. It brings in a lot of business I'm sure to the area, now safety is always first.

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