Posted on: Tuesday, August 13, 2002

Kaua'i flight diverted to O'ahu

Advertiser Staff

A report of a tire problem on board a Kaua'i-bound American Airlines flight prompted the plane to make an unscheduled landing at Honolulu International Airport last night.

The plane originated from Los Angeles and was headed toward Lihu'e, Kaua'i, when it experienced an in-flight emergency with "a possible blown tire" and diverted to O'ahu, said acting Department of Transportation spokeswoman Shelley Paik.

There were no reports of injuries on board Flight 285, and the plane with 170 passengers landed safely at Honolulu International Airport at 7:18 p.m., Paik said.

She said the American Airlines maintenance division had diverted the plane because of worn tire treads.

Maintenance crews changed the tires at Honolulu International Airport, Paik said.

The airline said the plane was scheduled to depart Honolulu to Lihu'e at 8:30 p.m.