Plane returns to Houston after fumes sicken passengers (Sept 18, 2000)

HOUSTON (AP) -- A Continental Airlines flight bound for Fort Lauderdale, Fla., returned to Houston shortly after takeoff today when a noxious odor was detected on board, causing dozens to feel queasy.

About 40 or 50 passengers complained of nausea, Continental spokesman Dave Messing said. Eight suffering more acute symptoms were taken to Columbia Kingwood Medical Center as a precaution, though none was thought to be seriously ill, he said.

Flight 1856 was carrying 117 passengers and five crew members. It was eastbound from Bush Intercontinental Airport for less than 30 minutes before turning around early this afternoon.

Houston Fire Department paramedics provided treatment to anyone requesting it. Another aircraft took off for Florida around 3:20 p.m. with all but the eight sick passengers aboard.

"They (airline workers) are going through to look at the (initial) aircraft," airline spokesman Ned Walker said. "They'll determine what the source of the odor was, and corrective actions will be taken."

-- Rachel Gibson (rgibson@hotmail.com), April 18, 2000

Answers

Rachel Looks like the date should be April 18,2000.

Plane Returns To Houston/Fumes Make Some Sick 8:13 pm April 18, 2000 Houston -- Continental flight 1856 was forced to turn back to Bush Intercontinental Airport shortly after takeoff Tuesday afternoon because fumes sickened most of the 117 passengers on board. People were light-headed and nauseous.

"It smelled like it was coming from air vents or I don't know it smelled like something was burning," said one passenger.

Those not transported for medical reasons were asked to give home phone numbers before getting on another plane. This was their third plane; they had to get off the first because of the mechanical problems.

"People were getting antsy and irate, making the stewardesses cry. That's not right," said passenger Heather Goeld.

Eight passengers were taken to Kingwood Medical Center for observation.

Everyone else eventually boarded another plane for Fort Lauderdale.

They still have not found out the reason for the fumes.

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), April 19, 2000.

Yikes! Thanks, Martin. Time warp happening here. My focus on the lack of a link caused me to blow the date, too. Thanks for providing both correctly. :)

-- Rachel Gibson (rgibson@hotmail.com), April 19, 2000.