WI - Midwest Express plane engine catches fire getting ready for takeoff

(Published Wednesday, June 13, 2001 9:21:15 AM CDT)

Associated Press

MILWAUKEE--A Midwest Express plane preparing for takeoff at Mitchell International Airport Tuesday had to turn back because of an engine fire, officials said.

The plane, scheduled to depart for New York's La Guardia Airport, had a "contained engine failure" while taxiing around 3:30 p.m. and smoke and fire appeared within its left engine, said Midwest Express spokeswoman Lisa Bailey.

She said none of the 104 passengers were affected and the plane returned to the terminal. The majority of the passengers were rerouted on later flights to La Guardia and Newark International Airport, Bailey said.

"They weren't in any danger," she said. "Certainly I think it's a disconcerting experience, but the crew did the right thing and rescue teams were able to cool down the engine quickly."

The MD-80 aircraft will be kept out of service while the National Transportation Safety Board investigates. The airline is working to use a spare plane to ensure no flights are canceled in the coming days, Bailey said.

http://www.gazetteextra.com/planefire061301.html

-- Doris (nocents@bellsouth.net), June 14, 2001