Bomb Threat Delays Flight From Lindbergh

A bomb threat phoned to American Airlines in San Diego shortly before 11:30 a.m. Friday delayed Flight 66 for more than three hours while Sheriff’s Department dogs sniffed through luggage spread on the runway at Lindbergh Field.

The flight, which originated in San Diego and was bound for the Dallas-Ft. Worth airport, was in the takeoff waiting pattern when the anonymous threat was received.

San Diego Unified Port District authorities diverted the aircraft to an isolated part of Lindbergh Field and notified the FBI, the San Diego Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Department.

The passengers and crew were evacuated from the aircraft. No explosive devices were found in the luggage or plane, and the aircraft was allowed to depart about 3 p.m.

John Hotard, manager of corporate communications in American’s Ft. Worth offices, said the anonymous threat was received less than 10 minutes before the aircraft was scheduled to take off at 11:35 a.m. from Lindbergh Field.