Source: Chicago Tribune
http://tinyurl.com/zkvbwgr
Oct. 28th, 2016, 17:25
8 injured when plane catches fire on runway at O'Hare
Seven passengers and a flight attendant suffered minor injuries when an
American Airlines flight bound for Miami caught fire on a runway at O'Hare
International Airport as it was taking off Friday afternoon, officials said.
The pilot of Flight 383, a Boeing 767, aborted the takeoff as it rolled down
runway 28R around 2:35 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The 161 passengers and nine crew members were evacuated down emergency chutes
on the left side of the plane while the wing on the right side burned,
according to the airline and video on the scene.
"Seven passengers and one flight attendant reported minor injuries and were
transported to the hospital to be evaluated," American said in a statement,
adding that another flight would be booked for the passengers Friday evening.
The FAA said the problem started with a blown tire, but American said the
takeoff was aborted "due to an engine-related mechanical issue."
A controller radioed the plane when it suddenly came to a stop, according to
a recording of the radio traffic. "American 383 ... stopping on the runway,"
the controller said.
"Roger, roger, fire," the pilot radioed.
"You see any smoke or fire?" the controller asked.
"Yea, fire off the right wing."
"OK, send out the trucks."
A few seconds later, the pilot contacts the tower again. "Chicago, American
383, we're evacuating."
"American 383, roger, trucks are on the way."
Video of the scene shows passengers sliding down chutes on the left side of
the plane while flames jump and thick black smoke billows from the right wing.
Many of the passengers can be seen running across a median of grass, some
lugging their bags. Some passengers gather a distance away and watch as fire
trucks circle the plane.
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