Chicago-Bound Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC — An American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Chicago returned to Charlotte Douglas International Airport after a "mechanical issue" was found on the plane shortly after takeoff, the airline said Wednesday. The plane landed safely, an American Airlines spokesperson said.

Details about the mechanical issue on Flight 1668 have not been released. American Airlines said no fire or smoke was present at takeoff.

According to WCNC, Charlotte Fire arrived at the airport around 7:45 Wednesday morning, and fire trucks were seen surrounding the jet.

Several passengers on the plane reported on Twitter that they were told an engine caught fire; however that has not been confirmed with American Airlines.

According to WSOC, the pilot said the engine stalled, and witnesses on the ground told the station they saw a plane in flight with flames.

Passenger Jesse Batson said the take-off was “bumpy” with “a rattling and shaking on the plane,” the station reported. Another passenger said there was a popping noise as the aircraft went into the air, with flames coming from the engine. (For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)

After the aircraft landed and returned to the airport terminal, passengers were rebooked on another flight, WSOC said.

Patch Editor Amber Fisher contributed

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