LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – An experienced commercial airline pilot is taking FOX5 inside the cockpit, simulating what he believes happened during last week’s flight emergency that quickly turned a flight headed to Charlotte back around.
Viewers from around the Las Vegas Valley captured videos of American Airlines Flight 1665’s smoking engine. American Airlines officials issued a statement, saying the flight returned to LAS shortly after takeoff because of a mechanical issue.
Steve Cawthon, who spent over 30 years as an American Airlines pilot, said last week’s incident looked like a classic engine compressor stall, which happens when the airflow inside the engine is disrupted.
It’s something Cawthon said pilots have practiced in a simulator many times before.
“Other people see it and they’re like, ‘Oh, my God,’” Cawthon said. “It’s not normal, but it’s also not abnormal.”
Cawthon simulated a compressor stall in one of Las Vegas Flight Academy’s flight simulators.
He set the simulator at Harry Reid Airport, on a sunny day, with a compressor stall to kick in at about 2,500 feet.
Once it kicks in, he starts by checking in with the air traffic control tower.
“Hey, tower Vegas one, we’re in an emergency for an engine problem,” Cawthon said.
Next, he goes through a checklist, starting by disengaging the autothrottle.
He said the goal is to find the quickest and safest way back to the airport, which he is able to do in the simulator in about seven minutes.
“I would make a [public announcement], ‘Folks, sorry about the excitement, and come back and fly Las Vegas air again,’” he said.
The mountainous terrain around Harry Reid Airport adds to the complexity of non-traditional landings, which makes it a great place for pilots to train, Cawthon said.
But, it’s not the only reason pilots from around the world may set their simulators to train in the valley.
“We’re 2,000 feet here. The higher you are in elevation. The worst performance of the airplane. It’s 110° out, so we would come up here, 110 degrees 2,000 feet, the aircraft performance isn’t, say at sea level at 80°,” Cawthon explained.
Officials from American Airlines issued a statement last week, saying flight 1665 had had a mechanical issue.
“American Airlines flight 1665 returned to Las Vegas (LAS) shortly after takeoff due to a mechanical issue. The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power and customers deplaned normally. We appreciate the professionalism of our crew and thank our team who are working to get our customers to their destinations as quickly as possible.”
FOX5 reached out for an update Thursday, and officials said there are no updates at this time.
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