Flight From Pittsburgh Evacuated After Landing In Atlanta
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Passengers and crew members on board a Delta Air Lines flight from Pittsburgh had to be evacuated from the plane Saturday afternoon when it landed in Atlanta and caught fire.
According to Delta Air Lines, Flight 2284 took off from Pittsburgh International Airport on time and landed in Atlanta just after 4 p.m.
"The pilot was able to control the plane and got it stopped, but then there was a burning smell and the right side of the plane caught on fire," said Kathleen Harrison, a passenger.
When the plane touched down at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, airline officials say they brakes overheated. Smoke and flames could be seen coming from under the plane.
"The fire occurred underneath the aircraft. The Atlanta Fire Department sprayed copious amounts of foam under the aircraft to extinguish the fire," said Kathleen Bergen, FAA communications manager. "So, of course it's not going to be back in service until it can be examined and repairs made and that will take some time."
Officials say 43 passengers and five crew members were on board the plane.
According to a report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, all of the passengers were evacuated from the MD-88 aircraft using the emergency slides or stairs and transported to the terminal by bus.
"I just thought that we need to get off the plane," said Harrison. "They kept telling us they were assessing the situation and then I think when the fire broke out they opened the doors and we all went down the emergency chutes."
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is also reporting that four people were treated for minor injuries, but no one was taken to the hospital.
Officials with the FAA initially reported that the plane may have possibly blown one or more tires upon landing.
RELATED LINKS:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Delta Air Lines
CBSAtlanta.com: "Delta Plane Catches On Fire While Landing"
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "Delta plane catches fire at Hartsfield"
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