Smoke and Flames Force American Airlines Flight to Return to Las Vegas
An American Airlines flight carrying 159 people was forced to return to Las Vegas shortly after takeoff when smoke and flames were spotted coming from one of its engines midair. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely with no reported injuries.
Flight Details and Timeline
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when Flight 1665 departed from Harry Reid International Airport at 8:11 a.m. local time, bound for Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina. Less than 10 minutes into the flight, around 8:20 a.m., the pilot decided to turn back after smoke and flames were seen emanating from the plane’s left engine, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Passenger and Crew Safety
On board were 153 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft, an Airbus A321, returned safely and taxied to the gate under its own power. All passengers disembarked normally, and no injuries were reported.
Investigation and Aftermath
Witnesses and videos circulating on social media showed visible flames and smoke from the engine during the flight. However, American Airlines stated that after thorough inspections by their maintenance crew upon landing, no evidence of fire was found in the engine.
The airline confirmed the aircraft was subsequently taken out of service for a detailed evaluation. Meanwhile, the FAA has launched a formal investigation to determine the root cause of the incident.
Airline Statement
In an official response, American Airlines praised the professionalism and quick actions of its crew, emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety and smooth operations. The carrier expressed gratitude towards the team working to rebook and assist affected customers.
Key Takeaways
- Flight 1665 returned safely to Las Vegas less than 10 minutes after takeoff due to engine smoke and flames.
- No injuries were reported among the 159 passengers and crew onboard.
- The aircraft, an Airbus A321, was grounded for further technical evaluations.
- The FAA is investigating the cause of the reported engine malfunction.
Such incidents highlight the critical role of crew training and rapid response in ensuring air travel safety. Passengers can take some reassurance from the safe handling of this emergency and thorough subsequent inspections.
