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An aborted take-off at Philadelphia International Airport forces evacuation of Cincinnati-bound passengers

A 'possible mechanical issue' was cited. No injuries among the 76 passengers or five crew members on board were reported.

Emergency activity at Philadelphia International Airport at the site of the aborted take-off. No injuries were reported.
Emergency activity at Philadelphia International Airport at the site of the aborted take-off. No injuries were reported.Read moreElizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

A Cincinnati-bound flight aborted its take-off Saturday night at Philadelphia International Airport after it experienced “a possible mechanical issue,” forcing the evacuation of the passengers, an airline spokesperson said.

No injuries were reported, and the 76 passengers who had boarded the PSA Airlines flight were shuttled safely to an airport terminal, said Heather Redfern, the airport’s public relations manager.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m., she said, and had no effect on other airport operations.

American Eagle flight 5583 “reported a possible mechanical issue while on the runway prior to takeoff,” said a spokesperson for American Airlines, of which PSA is a wholly owned subsidiary.

The airline spokesperson said “the aircraft will be inspected by our maintenance team.”

Late Saturday night, the plane remained on the runway and was to be towed, Redfern said.

Redfern said that in addition to the passengers, five crew members were on board.