PAL catches fire on takeoff from LA, returns safely
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2019 04:58:41 +0000
LOS ANGELES — A Philippine Airlines jet with flames spurting from one engine has returned safely to Los Angeles International Airport shortly after takeoff.
Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration said Flight 113, a Boeing 777 bound for Manila, reported a problem with the right engine after takeoff Thursday morning. It turned around and landed at about noon.
Passengers and people on the ground videotaped blasts of flame coming from the right engine.
Passenger Walter Baumann tells KABC-TV he heard a series of booms and saw “balls of fire.”
Delta Airlines for Philippines here at LAX!!! Happy they landed safely after this!!! pic.twitter.com/jjvNkWsMgZ
— Victoria Atkins (@toriatkins) November 21, 2019
LAX spokesman Heath Montgomery said there was no flame showing from the plane when it landed but firefighters were on hand as a precaution.
The airline said all 342 passengers and 18 crewmembers are safe.
Montgomery said Flight 113 departed at 11:15 a.m. Thursday for Manila and landed again around noon.
Montgomery said the pilot of the Boeing 777-300 reported a “mechanical issue.” He didn’t have additional details.
A call and email seeking information from the airline were not immediately returned.
Montgomery said the passengers would be put on another flight. AP