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American Airlines flight makes emergency landing at LAX

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Los Angeles Times Staff Writers

Passengers were evacuated this morning from an American Airlines jet that made an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport when smoke was detected in the cockpit.

The Boeing 757 was bound for Honolulu but turned back for LAX after the pilot reported the smoke, said Paul Haney, deputy airport director. American Flight 31 landed safely about 9:30 a.m., said Ian Gregor, an Federal Aviation Administration spokesman.

Passengers and crew exited the plane on emergency chutes. The crew in the cockpit donned oxygen masks when they saw the smoke, Haney said.

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Firefighters were on the tarmac to assist with the exit.

Both south runways were closed during the evacuation and later one was reopened.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey told CNN that the pilot requested an emergency landing about an hour into the flight after crew members reported the smell of smoke in the cabin. He said firefighters are using thermal imaging equipment but have not detected a fire on the plane.

Two minor injuries have been reported among the seven crew members and 150 passengers on board.

dan.weikel@latimes.com

joanna.lin@latimes.com

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