FAA Statement:
“The Federal Aviation Administration is looking into two separate incidents
involving American Airlines Boeing 757 jetliners that were taken out of
service after passenger seat rows became loose in flight.
On Saturday, American Flight 685, on a flight from Boston to Miami,
diverted to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and on Monday,
Flight 443, from JFK to Miami, returned to JFK without incident after loose
seats were discovered. The airline’s initial inspection of each aircraft
found other rows of seats that were not properly secured.
Preliminary information indicates that both aircraft had recently undergone
maintenance during which the seats had been removed and re-installed.
Including these two airplanes, the airline has taken eight aircraft with
similar seat assemblies out of service until they can be inspected.”
Lynn Lunsford
Mid-States Public Affairs Manager
Federal Aviation Administration
