Skip to content
NOWCAST WDSU News at 6pm
Watch on Demand
Advertisement

American Airlines plane engine catches fire after possible bird strike

American Airlines plane engine catches fire after possible bird strike
This is *** really tragic incident that happened here today. The Austin Police Department's vehicular homicide unit is investigating Thursday night after an American Airlines employee was killed while on the job. Osun Communications which is the airport, communications contacted the city of Austin 911 communications to advise emergency services were needed. Police say *** man was operating *** ground service vehicle that hit *** jet bridge on the apron level of the aircraft. That's the area where the planes are parked just outside of the terminal. APD officers along with Austin Travis County ems arrived on scene, they located an adult male with obvious signs of trauma to his body. The man was pronounced dead on scene. Police say several people witnessed what happened. APD knows who the man is but isn't identifying him at this time out of respect for the family and everyone involved. This is the second death in recent memory on the Austin airport's tarmac in 2020. *** man was hit and killed by *** Southwest Airlines plane flying in from Dallas. He was not an employee at the airport and not authorized to be on the runway. *** spokesperson with American Airlines says we are devastated by the accident involving *** team member at Austin Bergstrom International Airport. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members. We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need. During this difficult time. We recognize the sensitive nature and we really appreciate the community's patience as we fully investigate this tragic incident.
Advertisement
American Airlines plane engine catches fire after possible bird strike
An American Airlines plane was forced to return to the airport Sunday morning in Columbus, Ohio, after a possible bird strike that may have sparked an engine fire.Video above: American Airlines employee died at Austin airport after a service vehicle hit a jet bridgeThe Boeing 737 designated Flight 1958 had departed Columbus for Phoenix before the crew reported a possible bird strike at around 8 a.m. local time, the Federal Aviation Administration said.The plane made a safe return to John Glenn Columbus International Airport, the FAA said."Emergency crews responded to an aircraft incident at CMH this morning involving a reported engine fire. The aircraft landed safely and the airport is open and operational," John Glenn Columbus International Airport said in a statement posted on Twitter.The FAA is investigating.The flight made a safe return to Columbus "due to a mechanical issue." American Airlines said in a statement."The flight landed normally and taxied safely to the gate under its own power. The aircraft was taken out of service for maintenance and our team is working to get customers back on their way to Phoenix," the American Airlines statement said.

An American Airlines plane was forced to return to the airport Sunday morning in Columbus, Ohio, after a possible bird strike that may have sparked an engine fire.

Video above: American Airlines employee died at Austin airport after a service vehicle hit a jet bridge

Advertisement

The Boeing 737 designated Flight 1958 had departed Columbus for Phoenix before the crew reported a possible bird strike at around 8 a.m. local time, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

The plane made a safe return to John Glenn Columbus International Airport, the FAA said.

"Emergency crews responded to an aircraft incident at CMH this morning involving a reported engine fire. The aircraft landed safely and the airport is open and operational," John Glenn Columbus International Airport said in a statement posted on Twitter.

The FAA is investigating.

The flight made a safe return to Columbus "due to a mechanical issue." American Airlines said in a statement.

"The flight landed normally and taxied safely to the gate under its own power. The aircraft was taken out of service for maintenance and our team is working to get customers back on their way to Phoenix," the American Airlines statement said.