American Airlines flight returns to Heathrow after 'mechanical issue'

Emergency return: The American Airlines flight was en route to Chicago when it returned to Heathrow
Steve Parsons/PA Wire
Jamie Bullen17 June 2016

An American Airlines flight has made an emergency return to Heathrow after a "mechanical issue".

Flight 87 had just taken off from London en route to Chicago with more than 200 passengers on board when “loud noises” were allegedly heard on the Boeing 787.

According to an online tracker the jet was flying over Wales when it began its return to London.

Fire crews were pictured on the runway when the plane landed back at Heathrow.

It was reported the emergency was declared because a blaze had broken out inside the plane's engine but this was denied by the airline.

In a statement, American Airlines confirmed the plane returned to London because of a “mechanical issue”.

A spokeswoman said: "‘AA87, a Boeing 787, returned to Heathrow shortly after takeoff due to a mechanical issue.

"We can confirm that the mechanical issue had nothing to do with the engine.

"The flight landed without incident with 203 passengers and a crew of 11 onboard. Maintenance is evaluating the aircraft."

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