April 29, 2016
Philadelphia International Airport has reopened after the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop due to an emergency with an aircraft Friday morning.
Air Traffic Alert: Update @PHLairport re-opened, air traffic delays expected as arrivals/departures resume with one runway operational.
— The FAA (@FAANews) April 29, 2016
Initial reports said two planes were forced to make emergency landings. An airport spokesperson said the first plane landed safely without issue.
The second aircraft, an American Airlines plane, had to be evacuated because of reports of smoke in the cockpit. The crew and passengers were all safely escorted off after landing, the spokesperson said.
All runways reopened about two hours after the ground stop was issued, however, passengers should expect ongoing delays and check flight times with their carriers, according to the airport. Flight statuses can be checked here.
Per FAA, departures are running an average 1 hr, 29 min behind schedule. Check flight status with your carrier.
— PHLAirport (@PHLAirport) April 29, 2016
American Airlines issued the following statement regarding the incident:
American Eagle flight 4801 from Richmond International Airport to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), operated by Piedmont Airlines, landed safely at PHL just after 8:15 local time. Just prior to landing, the pilot reported smoke in the cabin. All passengers and crew were evacuated shortly after landing. One passenger was evaluated by medical personnel and released at the airport. We’re taking care of our passengers and crew and will reaccommodate them on other connecting flights, if necessary.
Musician DJ Rhetorik said he was a passenger on the aircraft that was evacuated. He posted a photo to Twitter and described the events of the emergency landing in a series of tweets:
holy sh*t I just had to pop the emergency exit and evacuate @AmericanAir pic.twitter.com/JHpn81nKLY
— rhêtorík (@djrhetorik) April 29, 2016
that was crazy, man. I've never heard so much rapid, audible prayer going on in my life.
— rhêtorík (@djrhetorik) April 29, 2016
Woke up from an oxygen mask hitting me in the face. What an experience. Gonna make for one hell of an Off The Rhekord.
— rhêtorík (@djrhetorik) April 29, 2016
