Truck Hits Jetliner on L.A. Taxiway

A cargo truck struck a Qantas Airways jet as it taxied to a Los Angeles airport terminal, damaging the plane's engine but causing no injuries, officials said.

The Boeing 747 was carrying more than 300 people from Australia and had just landed when it was hit by the truck Monday. The passengers and crew members were taken off the plane and bused off a terminal.

The Federal Aviation Administration report on the incident said the damage to the engine was "substantial."

The jet was towed to a maintenance hangar but was expected to be back in service Wednesday after mechanics received a replacement part, Qantas spokesman Mike Abraham said. He declined to provide more details.

"We're investigating the circumstances and it would be unfair to describe anything until we know more," he said.

Airport spokeswoman Nancy Castles did not immediately return a call seeking further information about the cargo truck and the incident. Airplanes have the right of way on airport taxiways.

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Qantas Airways: http://www.qantas.com.au

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