A mechanical problem forced the pilots of Philippine Airlines to make an emergency landing in Los Angeles a few minutes after take-off.
A Philippine Airlines plane was forced to return to Los Angeles International Airport minutes after take off due to a mechanical problem. pic.twitter.com/jjssxBAI12
— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) November 21, 2019
PAL flight is bound to Manila and the incident reportedly happened on Friday.
According to witnesses on the ground, they saw “bursts of flames” coming out of the plane engine.
KCAL9 at 10p & CBS2 at 11p: Parents react to flashes streaking across daughter’s face as Philippine Airlines’ plane engine shot out fireballs during take-off from #LAX. SOURCE: Adam Taylor pic.twitter.com/OaIJGbNlr7
— Jeff Nguyen (@jeffnguyen) November 22, 2019
“We saw bursts of flames, little flames shooting out from the engine,” said Andrew Ames, a 36-year-old fitness professional in Los Angeles, who watched as the plane ascended over the ocean after takeoff. “It almost looked like backfire flames from a motorcycle or car.”
Based on the statement of PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna, all of the flight’s passengers as well as its crew were all safe. All of them were able to disembark from the airplane using the regular airstairs.
“Our Los Angeles Airport Team has provided assistance to passengers on their flight rebookings,” Villaluna said.
“We affirm that safety is our top priority and that Philippine Airlines is fully cooperating with the concerned airport and aviation authorities,” she added.
VIDEO: Philippine Airlines #PR113 Los Angeles LAX to Manila (Boeing 777-300ER RP-C7775) declared ‘Mayday’ after departing Runway 25R at 1150PST (1950UTC) today due to starboard engine failure, with ‘loud bangs’ heard from the ground.
— Airport Webcams (@AirportWebcams) November 22, 2019
Source: ABCNews pic.twitter.com/3JOr1nUc4N
