An American Airlines flight returned to St. Louis Lambert International Airport approximately 15 minutes after departure Saturday morning following an odor reported on board. Oxygen masks deployed during the flight, and the aircraft was evacuated on the runway after landing.
Passengers described a sudden deceleration sensation followed by a drop, after which the cabin filled with haze and masks fell. The flight attendant issued emergency commands. Passengers evacuated by jumping from the wing.
Prior to departure, the crew had already experienced a delay related to an engine start issue, according to passengers on board. The flight had been bound for Pennsylvania.
In a statement, American Airlines confirmed the flight returned to Lambert after an odor was reported and said the aircraft was pulled from service for inspection. The airline did not identify a cause.
No injuries were reported in the source material. The aircraft’s removal from service for inspection is standard procedure following an in-flight odor event requiring a diversion.
