American Airlines Flight 331
PHOTOS: More than 40 passengers were injured on Flight 331, some in serious condition, when a flight originating from Washington D.C. landed in bad weather and heavy rain. The Kingston bound plane had 154 people on board when it overshot the runway. The Boeing 737-800 had a cracked fuselage and its right engine broke off from the impact and the left main landing gear collapsed said American Airlines spokesman, Tim Smith.
UPDATE: New Photos, New Video: American Airlines AA331 Jamaica Crash Landing Update
According to the New York Times, American Airlines Flight 331 "originated at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. It had taken off from Miami International Airport at 8:52 p.m. and arrived in Kingston at 10:22 p.m. It was carrying 148 passengers and a crew of six, American said. The majority of those aboard were Jamaicans coming home for Christmas, reported Information Minister Daryl Vaz."
During American Airlines Flight 331, a Keene, N.H. said turbulence was bad enough that the crew had to suspend the beverage service three times before calling it quits. The passenger described the scene as chaotic with panic resulting, as the Jamaican plane crash slid across the runway.
As of this time, there have been conflicting reports about the condition of the plane. Some media reports claim the plane broke in half, others say, "The plane was damaged but did not break apart." Tim Smith said it was too soon to provide details about the precise of the extent of the damage to the aircraft.
There were no fatalities reported at the time. American Airlines set up a special hotline for use by relatives of passengers. The number is 800-245-0999 , the airline said.
More Slideshows:
- Photos: Haiti Earthquake Disaster Pictures, Haitians Plead for Tents
- Viewing Rose Parade Floats, Taking Pictures Up Close
- Rose Bowl Parade 2010 Photos: Tournament of Roses Parade
- Ephesians 2: 8-10: Photos of Tim Tebow NIV Bible verse makes a Christian statement
- Urban Meyer: Arachnoid cyst in brain, stepping down after Sugar Bowl due to health issues
- Champlain Bridge demolition (Photos, Videos): Controlled explosion topples 80 year history
- Pope Benedict knocked down by lady in red: Video, photo slideshow
- Brittany Murphy's funeral on Christmas Eve amidst heavy security (Photos)
- Photos: Oral Roberts Ministries memorial service, Pat Robertson opens in prayer for thousands
- Photos, Video: American Airlines AA331 Jamaica crash landing update
- Time Magazine 2009 Person of the Year Award Ben Bernanke, photos
- Photos of Golden Globe Awards 2010: Complete nominations list
- Kabul blast photos: Massive suicide car bombing kills 8, at least 40 wounded
- George Stephanopoulos: First day on the job as GMA anchor (photos)
Sources: nytimes.com; washingtonpost.com; latimes.com
Photo credit: A passenger of American Airlines flight AA331 from Miami carries a baby inside a blanket as she is escorted away from Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston Jamaica, after the plane made a crash landing, injuring more than 40 people, at least 4 seriously, according to officials, just after midnight Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. According to reports, the plane, which originated at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. and made a stopover in Miami, overshot the runway when it landed in heavy rain. (AP Photo/LLoyd Robinson)
Comments
Thanks for the heads up Kyle. The AP photo credit (which we're supposed to include with all photos) was for the wrong plane. These photos were all lumped in together. However, the "8" was quickly changed to a "3", and was corrected first thing Wednesday morning.
To "wrong info" - sorry, but this was fixed almost 8 hours before you commented.
To God Be The Glory, Great things he hath done. These are signs of the times and as God said in the Bible, that when we see these signs we should look up and lift up our heads for redemption draweth nigh.
I thanked God for the pilot, the fly attendants and every single passengers on flight AA331. It could have being worst, but God said; it wasn't time for my people to perish. I am a Jamaican, and I fly AA or Delta whenever I come home to (Jamaica). We need to give God the glory and the praise and most importantly thank God for a second chance to live. Tomorrow is promised to no-one. But, yet Tuesday December 22, 09 all of you could've been gone. People be "Thankful". Virginia.
I am happy to be alive today....little did i know that Dec 22, 2009 could have been my last day but God is soo good i tell you, he is an awsome good. I feel so good that although i did not get any gifts from people this year, but i got the CHRISTMAS GIFT from God;life. it feels good and i will thank him everyday for that.
It was a horrible experience but i will never forget what God did for me on that night.
I pray that pilots will now use their judgements and know when it is safe to land a plane and follow instructions from others who are trying to help them and ensure that they do the right thing,but despite that God ensured we made it alive.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!