Over the weekend, two separate plane accidents at American airports left passengers and crew shaken, just days after a tragic collision near Washington DC claimed the lives of everyone aboard.
The incidents occurred at Houston and Chicago airports, adding to the recent wave of aviation incidents.
United Airlines Plane Forced to Evacuate in Houston After Engine Issues
On Sunday morning, a United Airlines flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston to New York’s LaGuardia Airport encountered severe problems.
Passengers aboard the Airbus A319 began screaming after noticing that the wing of the plane had caught fire.
Videos shared online captured the panic as a flight attendant urgently tried to maintain order, instructing passengers to remain seated despite the flames.
One passenger, visibly alarmed, could be heard shouting, “No, it’s on fire!” The plane was evacuated using emergency slides, and thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The Houston Fire Department later confirmed that the fire had not required their intervention, but the situation was still harrowing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the cause of the incident.
American Eagle Plane Collides with Tug at Chicago O’Hare
Meanwhile, on Saturday night, a serious accident occurred at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
An American Eagle plane operated by Air Wisconsin collided with a tug vehicle, causing the tug to flip and pin the driver underneath.
The driver, a 64-year-old man, was critically injured and taken to a nearby hospital, though he has since been stabilized.
Passengers aboard the American Eagle plane were deplaned and bused to the terminal following the collision.
The FAA is also investigating this mishap, which has added to the mounting concerns over aviation safety.
American Airlines’ Earlier Tragedy Adds to National Unease
These recent incidents come after a devastating crash involving an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter.
The tragic collision, which occurred just days earlier near Washington DC, killed everyone aboard both aircraft, including 60 passengers and four crew members on the plane.
The crash has devastated families, with more than 40 bodies recovered so far from the Potomac River.
Among the victims were young figure skaters, including 14-year-old Everly Livingston and her sister Alydia, who were returning from a development camp.
Memorials have been set up in their honor at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex, and families have been seen visiting the crash site to pay their respects.
Ongoing Investigations into Washington DC Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the mid-air collision.
Preliminary data suggests discrepancies in the altitude reports of both aircrafts involved.
The jet’s flight recorder indicated an altitude of 325 feet, while air traffic control reports showed the Black Hawk was at 200 feet—the maximum altitude allowed for Army helicopters near Reagan National Airport.
These inconsistencies are yet to be fully explained.
Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny Amid Rising Tensions
As these events unfold, Americans are increasingly concerned about aviation safety.
With multiple deadly incidents occurring in just a few days, the public’s trust in the air travel system is being tested.
Families of the victims from the Washington DC collision continue to grieve, while investigations into all these accidents are underway.
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