Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 16, 2024 11:14 pm GMT
A Frontier Airlines flight made headlines on Saturday when it landed in Las Vegas amid alarming sightings of smoke and flames. The incident, involving Flight 1326 from San Diego, raised safety concerns but ultimately ended without injury to any passengers or crew.
Hard Landing in Las Vegas
The Airbus A321 was approaching Harry Reid International Airport when the pilots detected smoke in the cockpit. This prompted them to declare an emergency shortly before 4:20 p.m. local time. According to Frontier Airlines, the plane encountered a “hard landing,” resulting in the front tires blowing out.
Video footage captured by onlookers revealed flames erupting from beneath the aircraft upon landing, alongside a thick trail of smoke. The response from emergency services was swift; fire trucks mobilized immediately to extinguish the flames.
Passenger Safety First
Fortunately, all 190 passengers and seven crew members onboard were safely evacuated. Amanda Mazzagatti, an airport program administrator, confirmed that passengers were guided down the airstairs and transported to the terminal by bus.
- Time of incident: Approximately 4:20 p.m. PT
- Total passengers: 190
- Crew members: 7
- No reported injuries: Confirmed by both Frontier and airport officials
All passengers were quickly moved to a safe area, and no injuries were reported during the emergency landing.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The Clark County Fire Department was on the scene rapidly, with fire trucks seen spraying the aircraft to ensure the flames were fully extinguished. A ground stop was imposed at Harry Reid International Airport, which lasted until 7 p.m. to ensure the situation was under control.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both announced that they will investigate the incident. While the exact cause of the smoke and flames remains unknown, officials are working diligently to uncover what went wrong.
What Passengers Are Saying
Passengers on the flight were understandably shaken by the experience. Many took to social media to share their thoughts and reactions.
“I thought we weren’t going to make it,” one passenger recounted. “When I saw the flames, my heart dropped.” Fortunately, professionals handled the situation effectively, ensuring a safe landing.
Looking Ahead
As investigations continue, questions remain about the safety protocols in place for Frontier Airlines and other carriers. The airline stated, “The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority.”
In the meantime, travelers are encouraged to remain vigilant and informed about airline safety. Incidents like this one serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of emergency preparedness.
For more updates on airline safety and travel news, follow reliable sources such as the FAA and news outlets dedicated to reporting on aviation incidents.
Seeing flames and smoke can be really scary, but thanks to the quick actions of the flight crew and emergency teams, everyone on board stayed safe. Right now, investigations are looking into what caused the fire, showing just how important it is to keep making air travel safer and better prepared for emergencies.
