PHILADELPHIA- An American Airlines (AA) flight preparing to depart Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) was evacuated after passengers reported the smell of smoke on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
The aircraft was scheduled to fly to Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) under the American Eagle banner before a mechanical issue forced an abrupt stop and passenger offloading.
Photo: By Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK – Bombardier CRJ-700 ‘N724SK’ American Eagle, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66991728
American Airlines Flight Evacuated at PHL
The aircraft involved was American Eagle flight 5671 operated by PSA Airlines. Ground staff halted the departure at about 10 pm after passengers alerted the crew to a smoke-like odor in the cabin. All customers and crew exited safely, and maintenance teams removed the aircraft from service for inspection.
Passengers were redirected to the terminal and instructed to wait for rebooked options, which caused delays for travelers attempting to reach holiday gatherings.
Several passengers expressed concern about the disruption and the condition of the aircraft, noting both the timing and the cost associated with last-minute travel.
American Airlines confirmed the mechanical issue and stated that safety procedures were followed as crews managed the evacuation and aircraft assessment. The carrier apologized for the inconvenience and emphasized its focus on returning customers to their destinations.
The flight was operated by American Airlines Bombardier CRJ-900 registered as N603NN. Further, it is a 6.6-year-old aircraft and is powered by CF34-8C5 turbofan engines.
Passenger Impact and Response
Travelers reported long waits for alternate flights and limited clarity on how quickly they would reach Savannah. Some passengers remained in Philadelphia late into the night while airline staff worked to secure available seats on later services.
American Airlines did not confirm whether every traveler would be rebooked on a same-day service, citing ongoing operational adjustments.
The carrier reiterated that customer safety was prioritized during the incident and noted that the aircraft would remain grounded pending further inspection.
Aircraft Involved in the DC Crash; Photo- Wikipedia
According to the airline, the evacuation was prompted by a mechanical concern detected before departure. Maintenance teams were deployed to investigate the source of the odor. Although no fire was reported, the aircraft was withdrawn from service as a precaution.
The airline acknowledged the operational disruption and expressed appreciation for the professionalism of its crew during the event.
Photo: X User
Similar Incident
On March 13, 2025, passengers evacuated onto the wing of an American Airlines (AA) Boeing 737 after an engine caught fire at Denver International Airport (DEN).
The aircraft diverted from its original route and landed safely, but the fire that erupted during taxi prompted an immediate evacuation.
Emergency Response After Engine Fire
American Airlines Flight AA1006 from Colorado Springs (COS) to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) diverted to Denver after the crew reported engine vibrations.
The Boeing 737 landed at about 5:15 p.m. local time and taxied toward gate C38 when flames appeared from one engine. Thick smoke rose from the aircraft as the crew ordered an evacuation.
The Denver Fire Department confirmed that twelve passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals. Images and videos showed passengers standing on the wing while heavy smoke surrounded the aircraft. First responders reached the scene quickly and brought the fire under control.
American Airlines stated that the aircraft experienced an engine-related issue after landing and thanked its crew, airport personnel, and firefighters for their rapid response. Airport officials confirmed that the fire was extinguished, all passengers were evacuated, and the Federal Aviation Administration opened an investigation.
Photo: By Acroterion – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112466698
Eyewitness Accounts and Onboard Reactions
Social media posts captured flames rising from the right side of the aircraft and passengers rushing out through overwing exits. Witnesses in the terminal reported seeing large plumes of smoke around the aircraft as firefighters worked to contain the fire.
Kristal Leonard, waiting for a flight to Colorado Springs, described seeing flames engulf the engine and expressed concern for those on board.
Passenger Gabrielle Hibbitts told CBS News Colorado that a burning plastic smell filled the cabin moments before the evacuation. Her sister and mother said the scene felt surreal and expressed relief that the emergency occurred on the ground rather than in flight.
American Airlines confirmed that luggage was removed from the aircraft and that a replacement plane and crew were dispatched to Denver. The rescheduled flight departed at about 1 a.m. for Dallas-Fort Worth.
Investigation Focus and Safety Context
Former National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt noted that the safe outcome reflects strong coordination between the flight crew, airport rescue teams, and air traffic control.
He said investigators will examine the origin of the fire and why smoke entered the cabin after the aircraft reached the gate.
The event adds to a series of aviation emergencies reported in recent weeks. Other incidents this year include crashes in Alaska, Philadelphia, and Washington, along with deadly accidents in South Korea and Kazakhstan late last year.
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