Passengers on an American Airlines flight were evacuated Tuesday after crew members reported smoke in the cabin shortly after landing at Augusta Regional Airport in Georgia.
American Eagle flight 5406, operated by PSA Airlines, landed safely at approximately 9:50 a.m. local time before experiencing what the airline described as "a maintenance issue," according to a statement provided by American Airlines to NTD News.
"All passengers deplaned and were escorted to the airport terminal. The safety of our customers is our top priority, and we apologize for the inconvenience," an American Airlines spokesperson told NTD News in a statement.
Passengers exited the planes using slides and were then escorted on foot to the terminal, according to the FAA. One minor injury was reported, though the person refused medical treatment.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
Available data shows that in the past decade, fatal aircraft accidents in America reached their highest point in 2019, with 379 incidents. Fatal accidents declined to a 10-year low in 2024, when only 260 were recorded. Throughout this 10-year period, fatal aircraft accidents averaged 330 per year.
On Jan. 29, a midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport resulted in 67 deaths. The family of one passenger has filed $250 million claims against both the FAA and the Army, alleging negligence.