A disturbing incident unfolded at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday morning when smoke was seen pouring from a Hawaiian Airlines aircraft, just moments before it was set to take off.
The frightening scene was captured on video, showing the Airbus A330 surrounded by a thick cloud of smoke as it screeched to a halt on the runway.
Quick Action Prevents Disaster
Flight 33, which was scheduled to depart from LAX to Kahului Airport in Hawaii, was forced to abort its takeoff.
The plane was seen swiftly turning around and returning to the gate after the alarming sight of smoke emanating from its undercarriage.
It was just moments away from lifting off the tarmac when the crew decided to halt the flight for safety reasons.
Vibration in the Nose Wheel Causes the Delay
According to Hawaiian Airlines, the issue was linked to a “vibration” in the plane’s nose wheel.
This problem rendered the aircraft unstable, preventing it from taking off as planned.
Mechanics quickly worked to assess the situation and fix the issue.
The airline emphasized that passengers were safely deplaned, and their well-being remained the highest priority.
Flight Delayed But Eventually Cleared for Takeoff
After repairs were completed, Flight 33 was cleared to depart at 11:48 AM, three hours behind schedule.
The flight eventually reached its intended destination, Kahului Airport, at 4:55 PM local time, with all passengers safe and sound.
Federal Aviation Administration Investigating
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now conducting an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the malfunction.
While the FAA did not release further details, Hawaiian Airlines assured customers that they were working to prevent any future disruptions.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel, and Hawaiian Airlines has apologized for any inconvenience caused, reiterating its commitment to passenger safety.