Airline Pilot Reports “Smoke Trail”…

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An American Airlines pilot departing Los Angeles International Airport reported seeing a missile fired at his aircraft, observing a smoke trail near the cockpit.
  • FBI and Homeland Security investigated the incident, concluding it was likely a flare or a large bottle rocket, though the exact nature remains uncertain.
  • The flight continued to its destination in Chicago without further incident after the reported event.
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Threats In The Air

An American Airlines pilot departing from Los Angeles International Airport told air traffic controllers that a missile had been fired at his aircraft and missed, a local ABC News affiliate reported last week. The pilot said he saw a smoke trail pass by the cockpit as the airplane climbed out over the ocean. FBI agents and Homeland Security officials investigated last weekend and said it was probably a flare or a [very impressive] bottle rocket, but they may never know for sure, according to KYW Newsradio 1060. The flight was en route to Chicago and proceeded without further incident.

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