(thanks Flight Simulator for the info. Poor pilot rattled, couldn't get the flight number right for most of the time, glad all safe)
Passengers aboard American Airlines flight AA1353 faced a tense few minutes on November 20 when the Pilots had to declare an emergency shortly after departing Dallas Fort Worth. The crew leveled off and called out “Mayday Mayday Mayday” as they reported a landing gear problem combined with a hydraulic issue. In the audio the captain can be heard explaining, “We are having a landing gear issue and a hydraulic issue. We are gonna need radar vectors back around.” Air traffic control immediately cleared them back toward the airport and asked for key details, including fuel and souls on board. The flight crew calmly replied that they had 108 people on board and about two hours of fuel as they worked through the checklists.
With no nose wheel steering and no way to taxi safely, the pilots advised that they would need to stop on the runway after landing and wait for a tow. They requested extra time to set up, telling controllers they would “probably need at least thirty minutes” to get the aircraft configured. Even with the mechanical issues and the pressure of the moment, the crew guided the jet back to Dallas with a steady hand. After touchdown the aircraft sat on the runway for about twenty five minutes until ground crews towed it clear. People online are praising the pilots for their calm and skill, noting that their quick decisions and clear communication kept every person on board safe.
