Tue | May 12, 2026

Overseas investigators to join probe of American Airlines incident at NMIA - JCAA

Published:Friday | June 7, 2024 | 3:15 PM
The JCAA said it has dispatched a team of inspectors to the NMIA, and an initial investigation is under way. -Contributed photo

Jamaica's aviation regulator says overseas investigators are heading to the island to help probe the incident in which an American Airlines plane veered off a runway while landing in Kingston last night. 

The incident, involving American Airlines Flight AA850, a Boeing 737-823, happened at about 9:30 p.m. at the Norman Manley International Airport. 

The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA), the local regulator, said there were 167 passengers and six crew members on board. 

It said there were no reports of injuries. 

One passenger has reported a "scary" and "rough" experience.

The JCAA said it has dispatched a team of inspectors to the NMIA, and an initial investigation is under way.

It said the team is also collaborating with the United States' Federal Aviation Administration, which has been notified of the incident.

"An American Airlines Air Safety Investigator, as well as the airline's maintenance go-team, are currently en route from the United States, and are expected to arrive at the NMIA today," the authority said, adding that it is working with the airline and the NMIA to ensure the submission of all mandatory reports. 

The JCAA said the incident resulted in damage to the aircraft and some airport infrastructure, including the plane's engine and some runway edge lights.

It said the aircraft was able to taxi to the gate, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally.

PAC Kingston Airport Limited, the operator of the NMIA, says service continues as usual and there have been no diversion of flights following the incident. 

In a post on social media platform X, Jamaican businessman Richard Pandohie, a passenger on the flight, described his experience as "rough, even scary", but expressed gratitude for the safe landing.

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