A Frontier Airlines jet made an alarming descent into Las Vegas Saturday, with flames and smoke emanating from the aircraft as it made an emergency landing. The incident, which involved flight 1326 from San Diego, unfolded at Harry Reid International Airport shortly before 4 p.m.
According to CBS News, the pilots detected smoke which prompted them to declare an emergency. Despite the dramatic circumstances, the landing was executed safely and fire & rescue crews quickly attended to the situation. The aircraft, visibly damaged by fire, was met with firefighters battling the blaze as passengers watched from the tarmac, having been evacuated without injury. 8 News Now reported smoke and flames were seen coming from underneath the plane.
In a statement obtained by ABC7 News, Frontier Airlines confirmed that after the fire was extinguished, all 190 passengers and the crew of seven, safely deplaned using airstairs. The travelers were subsequently transported to the terminal by bus. Both crew and passengers escaped physical harm, evoking relief amid the chaos. The airline has also stated that "The cause of the incident is currently under investigation."
Operational disruptions followed, with Harry Reid International Airport announcing a ground stop in effect until 7 p.m., reflecting the severity of the emergency that Frontier's jet encapsulated. The Federal Aviation Administration is actively investigating the incident, ABC7 detailed Flight 1326 "experienced a hard landing," according to the airport's officials.
As the investigation continues, airport operations return to normal, and Frontier Airlines is cooperating with authorities. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, according to Frontier.
