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Phoenix passengers prepare for emergency landing on American Airlines flight

Posted at 8:24 PM, Jan 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-18 12:12:07-05

"Brace for landing," are three words airplane passengers never want to hear.

An American Airlines flight (operated by Mesa Airlines) out of Phoenix on Wednesday had to prepare for a rough landing at its final destination in Dallas.

 

Scottsdale resident Steve Ramsthel recorded the incident on his phone.

 

"You will be given instructions on when to brace," said a flight attendant. "Remain in that position until the aircraft comes to a complete stop."

 

An airline spokesperson confirmed to ABC15 a fan issue prompted the emergency landing.

 

"It wasn't overwhelming, but you could smell the smoke," said Ramsthel.

 

Ramsthel, who is a certified pilot himself, said the captain and flight attendants handled the situation very professionally.

 

He said even his fellow passengers remained calm.

 

"There were some people crossing themselves, but I thought the adrenaline was high and everybody just cooperated," Ramsthel said. "It was pretty amazing to be honest with you."