Investigators Find No Evidence Airliner Was Terror Target

Federal investigators have found no evidence of a terrorist connection to an American Airlines pilot's report of a plume of smoke - possibly from a small rocket - near Los Angeles International Airport last fall, the FBI and Homeland Security Department reported.

The Nov. 26 Los Angeles-to-Chicago flight was climbing at about 13,000 feet over the Pacific when the pilot spotted the plume, American Airlines spokesman John Hotard said. The smoke was several miles away from the aircraft but was visible above the clouds at about 5,000 feet.

The pilot notified air traffic controllers and surmised that it might be a model rocket.

"He saw ... a plume go straight up and fizzle out," Hotard said. "At no time did he feel his flight was targeted."

After landing in Chicago, the pilot and a passenger were interviewed by FBI agents, Hotard said.

The FBI, Homeland Security and Coast Guard all looked into the incident and found no evidence any aircraft had been targeted, Homeland Security spokesman Brian Doyle said Monday.

FBI Special Agent Richard Kolko said the bureau found nothing to substantiate any threats from terrorists or others, though its inquiry remains open. Working theories speculate that the plume might have been a model rocket, a flare or something similarly innocuous, the FBI has said.

Following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks concerns that terrorists could use high-powered model rocket propellants for explosive devices prompted new federal regulations. Those seeking certain propellants must submit to a background check, submit fingerprints and pay for a $25 permit.

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