An American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER encountered an issue at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) on February 11, after arriving from London Heathrow Airport (LHR). The incident occurred during the taxi phase when the aircraft’s left main gear went over soft ground while turning onto taxiway A. Despite this, the plane continued to taxi to the apron without further complications.
The Aviation Herald reported that the aircraft landed on runway 36R and experienced a sharp turn onto the taxiway. The Federal Aviation Administration stated, “Aircraft landed and while turning onto taxiway, left wheel went into the grass, Charlotte, NC.”
American Airlines has been contacted for comments regarding the incident. Meanwhile, there have been other similar occurrences in recent months. In January, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900ER skidded off a taxiway at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), and in December 2024, an American Eagle Embraer ERJ-145 slid off a taxiway amid a snowstorm at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan.
The American Airlines Boeing 777-300ER involved in the Charlotte incident is registered as N717AN. Delivered to American in December 2012, it can accommodate 304 passengers across various cabin classes. As of September 2024, it had accumulated over 45,000 flight hours through more than 5,344 flight cycles.
Flight AA735 was scheduled between London Heathrow and Charlotte with departure at 10:05 and arrival at 14:25. The plane was grounded following the incident but is expected to resume operations on February 14 for flight AA730 to London.
American Airlines recently upgraded its service between Charlotte and London by deploying the larger Boeing 777-300ER on this route. This aircraft offers enhanced passenger capacity and premium seating options compared to its predecessor, the Boeing 777-200ER.
Currently, American Airlines operates three flights between Charlotte and London using both types of aircraft. Lufthansa also provides non-stop service from Charlotte to Munich with its Airbus A350.
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