American Airlines plane undergoes emergency evacuation; passengers jump from the wing! Congressman witnesses the incident!
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On May 15 local time, an American Airlines regional jet underwent an emergency evacuation due to smoke in the cabin. A U.S. Congressman was on board.
American Airlines Flight 5318, operated by PSA Airlines, was en route from Washington Reagan National Airport to Kansas City in a CRJ-900 aircraft carrying 76 passengers and 4 crew members. During approach, the pilots reported smoke in the cabin and declared an emergency.
After landing, the crew initiated emergency evacuation procedures. Passengers jumped from the emergency exits onto the wings and then off the aircraft.
U.S. Congressman Tracey Mann was also on the plane at the time. He later posted photos and videos of the scene on social media, showing passengers evacuating from the wing.
Mann stated, "Our plane was producing smoke and has now landed and is parked on the tarmac. I am very grateful to the firefighters and all the first responders."
The US FAA stated that it will investigate the incident.
American Airlines stated that the safety of passengers and employees is always their top priority and expressed deep regret for the experience.
Previously, in April 2025, an American Airlines CRJ-900 aircraft also underwent an emergency evacuation due to smoke in the cabin.