Damaged Wing Forces Emergency Landing At LAX

CBS) ^ | Aug 21, 2009 5:51 pm US/Pacific

[BenLurkin]

An American Airlines flight from San Diego to Dallas Fort-Worth was forced to make an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport because of a cracked wing.

The plane, carrying 194 passengers and crew, landed safely at 4:46 p.m. with a jagged crack visible on its right wing.

AA Flight 414 left San Diego Friday around 3:45 p.m.

The FAA's Ian Gregor said the place made "a perfectly safe landing."

Passenger Jim Borta said he heard loud, unusual noises at take off but thought it was an engine issue.

He said as the plane continued to climb, the noise continued and a passenger on the right side of the plane pointed out the wing damage.

Borta said both the captain and the co-captain came out to look at the wing and later got on the intercom to announce the plane would circle back to Los Angeles and to expect fire engines and emergency personnel and vehicles on the ground.

Borta said passengers "remained pretty calm."

[BenLurkin]

[2111USMC]

That’s in the area where you usually see the little signs that say “NO STEP”.

[Semper911]

Damn.

[sionnsar]

I think it’s a bit forward of that.

[filbert]

Looks like a Boeing 757, at first glance.

[Jeff Chandler]

Yes, I’ve heard that the wing is a very important part of the aircraft.

[Ramius]

Strange sort of damage. Curious.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Thankfully it’s on the leading edge slat, not on the wing itself. Cracks in the wing would have caused a different ending.

[Dumpster Baby]

[rawhide]

I wonder what would have happened if the plane took off at night? You would not see the damaged wing because of the darkness. Scary!

[Nachoman]

American Airlines later charged the passengers a “pucker fee”.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Obviously part of a right wing conspiracy.

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

Composite parts possibly.Aluminum would not break out like that pictured.

[CedarDave]

CBS2 at the link says a Boeing 767.

[cornfedcowboy]

Funniest thing I’ve heard all month. Thanks.

[exit82]

Obviously part of a right wing conspiracy.

Very punny!

[Blood of Tyrants]

That is the leading edge slat which adds lift during take off and landing when extended. They were in no danger.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Pa-dump-CHING!

[ArmstedFragg]

They were over Yuma when they made the divert decision. I assume they felt the damage was minor enough that they didn’t have to get to ground immediately.

[SueRae]

I wonder if something was caught in the flap when it was retracted. Thank goodness for a safe outcome.