American Airlines flight diverted to LAX after pilots report smoke, smell of fuel

Jun 23, 2008 3:54 PM PDT An American Airlines Boeing 757 en route from San Francisco to Miami was diverted to LAX today after the pilots reported smoke and the smell of fuel in the cockpit, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman said.

Authorities initially thought a package of hydrochloric acid in the forward cargo hold had been leaking. Instead, they said, the smoke and odor probably came from the hydraulic system because it had just been serviced.

The pilots aboard flight No. 442 told authorities that they were aware a hazardous material was on board, said FAA spokesman Ian Gregor.

The plane landed safely about 2:15 p.m. and no one was hurt. Firefighters responded to the incident.

American Airlines mechanics were checking the aircraft, and passengers were being booked on other flights.

richard.winton@latimes.com