DALLAS— An American Airlines (AA) flight bound for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) was diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) after a fire was reported in the cabin, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
American Airlines Flight 357, which departed from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), landed safely at Dulles around 11:50 a.m. local time with 160 passengers and six crew members on board.
Photo: Clément AlloingAmerican Airlines A321 Fire
The FAA confirmed the diversion occurred after the crew reported a fire in one of the passenger rows. American Airlines later clarified that the source was smoke from a customer’s personal electronic device, which was quickly contained.
Crew members acted immediately, following established safety procedures to secure the device and monitor the cabin environment. Their response allowed the aircraft to land without further complications. Passengers and crew deplaned normally upon arrival at IAD, with no reported injuries.
In a public statement, American Airlines emphasized the professionalism of its crew in handling the situation. The airline highlighted that the incident was managed quickly, with the device secured before landing.
The carrier added that arrangements were being made to transport passengers to their final destination at Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). No further details were provided regarding the specific type of device involved.
Incidents involving passenger electronics are not uncommon in aviation. Devices powered by lithium-ion batteries have been known to overheat, sometimes producing smoke or fire.
Airlines are equipped with fire containment bags and procedures to manage such events. Cabin crew undergo regular training to handle potential battery-related incidents, which can range from minor smoke to more serious fire risks. This preparedness played a key role in the safe handling of American Airlines Flight 357.
Passengers on Flight 357 experienced only a brief delay while arrangements were made for onward travel. The FAA will review the incident as part of standard oversight to ensure compliance with safety procedures.
For airlines and regulators, events like this reinforce the importance of vigilance regarding passenger devices. Travelers are reminded to monitor their electronics during flight and report any unusual heat, smoke, or odor to the crew immediately.
Photo: By Venkat Mangudi – P1171058, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46460477Similar Incident
An American Airlines (AA) flight from Las Vegas (LAS) to Charlotte (CLT) was forced to return shortly after takeoff when smoke was seen coming from one of its engines.
The Airbus A321, operating as Flight 1665 with 165 passengers on board, landed safely back at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) with no reported injuries.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning at around 8:20 a.m. local time, just minutes after American Airlines (AA) Flight 1665 departed Las Vegas (LAS) for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). The aircraft developed a mechanical issue, prompting the crew to turn back.
Eyewitnesses in nearby neighborhoods and at the Las Vegas National Golf Course captured video of black smoke trailing from the right engine. One recording showed the Airbus A321 banking left during its descent with smoke still visible from the nacelle.
Airport spokesperson Luke Nimmo confirmed the plane landed safely and taxied to the terminal without assistance. All passengers deplaned normally, with no injuries reported.
American Airlines (AA) issued a statement acknowledging the mechanical issue and emphasizing the professionalism of the flight crew.
The carrier confirmed that the aircraft taxied under its own power and passengers exited in a standard manner. The airline also thanked its employees for ensuring customer safety during the incident.
The airline has not released further details about the cause of the engine smoke. Maintenance teams are expected to perform a detailed inspection before the aircraft, a 12-year-old Airbus A321 registered as N157UW, returns to service.
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The post American Airlines A321 Makes Emergency Landing at Washington Amid Fire appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
