Scare at Philadelphia Airport Prompts Investigation - East Idaho News
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Scare at Philadelphia Airport Prompts Investigation

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Getty 052212 AirportRunway?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1337719873634Hemera/Thinkstock(PHILADELPHIA) — Authorities raced to Philadelphia International Airport on Tuesday afternoon when the pilot of a commuter jet appeared to either have spotted or heard a bottle rocket or flare explode near his plane.

The plane, initially identified as a US Airways turbo prop originating in Elmira, N.Y., landed safely just before 2 p.m. A commuter runway was briefly closed down. It has since reopened, officials said. According to a US Airways spokesperson, the plane was carrying 34 passengers and three crew members.

FBI and Philadelphia police on scene report that the incident occurred during the plane’s approach to the airport over a wooded area. They told ABC News it was not clear whether there was any intent to hit the plane.

Authorities are still trying to identify what kind of projectile was fired. No arrests have been made.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

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