NTSB Probes MD-80 Emergency Landing, Engine Fire

April 7, 2009
Flight 1400's left engine caught fire during a departure climb from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport on Sept. 28, 2007.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Safety officials are holding a hearing on an incident in which an American Airlines MD-82's engine caught fire, forcing an emergency landing.

The National Transportation Safety Board will hear from investigators on Tuesday why Flight 1400's left engine caught fire during a departure climb from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport on Sept. 28, 2007.

The airliner returned to the airport, but the plane's nose landing gear failed to extend during a landing attempt. A second landing attempt was successful. None of the 143 people onboard was injured, but the plane sustained substantial damage.

American's aircraft maintenance and other operations are being scrutinized by the Federal Aviation Administration.

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