An American Airlines regional jet with a congressman on board made an emergency landing and evacuated on the tarmac on Friday after smoke was reported in the cabin moments earlier than landing.
American Eagle flight 5318, operated by PSA Airlines, was flying to Kansas City from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when the smoke was reported, the FAA stated.
“Bluestreak 5318, declaring an emergency. We’re landing,” the PSA pilot stated as the aircraft was two miles from touching down, in keeping with recordings of air visitors management audio captured by Broadcastify.
Other plane circled the airport as the CRJ-900 regional jet landed and all 76 passengers evacuated onto the taxiway.
Congressman Tracey Mann, who represents a lot of western Kansas, was on the flight and posted pictures and video of passengers climbing out onto the wing.
“There was smoke on our aircraft and so we landed and are now sitting on the tarmac,” he stated in a video posted to Facebook. “Really appreciate our first responders, folks from fire.”
The FAA will examine the incident, in keeping with a press release from the company.
“The safety of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we are sorry for their experience,” American stated.