Image: Airbus
The NTSB announced on Wednesday that it is investigating an accident involving an American Airlines A321 that hit a runway distance marker during its takeoff roll at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on April 10, 2019. One of the pilots reported experiencing an uncontrolled 45-degree bank as the aircraft rotated. The uncommanded bank caused the aircraft’s left wingtip to strike the sign, a light and the ground.
The pilots were able to continue the takeoff and the aircraft landed back at JFK approximately 30 minutes later. 102 passengers and eight crew members were on board the flight, which was headed to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). No injuries were reported. The accident occurred at about 8:40 p.m. local time. Weather reports at the time indicate winds from 360 degrees at 17 knots. The flight was departing Runway 31L.
According to the NTSB, it has assigned a six-person team to the investigation including technical subject matter experts in vehicle recorders, flight ops, aircraft systems and performance. At this time, it will not be sending investigators to the scene.
#breaking New pictures obtained by @CBSNewYork show some of the damage to @AmericanAir flt 300 including what was described as a runway “edge light” embedded in the damaged wing. The plane flew for 28 minutes with that light stuck in the wing! More on the @CBSEveningNews tonight pic.twitter.com/owL4peOxgv
— Kris Van Cleave (@krisvancleave) April 17, 2019
