Sources: Plane In Emergency Landing At JFK Airport Almost Crashed
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Sources told CBS News new details about last week's emergency landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Sources said the American Airlines jet that suffered wing damage nearly crashed as pilots struggled to regain control during takeoff.
We're told as the Los Angeles-bound plane began to lift off, it rolled left. The wing tip scraped the ground, then hit a runway sign and a light pole.
The conversation between the pilot and air traffic control was recorded on LiveATC.net,
"We departed with a strong roll to the left as we were climbing and we decided we'd like to return to Kennedy," the pilot said. "We were banking, uncontrolled bank 45 degrees to the left and then the aircraft-"
"Turbulence from another aircraft?" the air traffic controller asked.
"I don't think so. There's a good cross wind today. We had an uncommanded roll to the left as we rotated," the pilot replied.
The pilots got the the plane off the ground, but they soon returned to JFK. No one was hurt.
"The Port Authority Police Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter (ARFF) Unit is a critical and integral component of the Port Authority's dedication to the traveling public's and airline safety," said Paul Nunziato, president of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association. "The fact American Airlines Flight 300 did not request ARFF assistance is unacceptable, especially considering the damaged condition of the aircraft. The JFK Airport community is extremely fortunate Flight 300 made it home safely with no reported injuries to the 109 people on board."