American Airlines flight diverted due to mechanical problem

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) – An American Airlines international flight originating in North Carolina had to be re-routed due to a mechanical problem.

Media outlets report that American Airlines flight 730 was able to return safely at about 11:45 p.m. Wednesday to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

According to a statement from American Airlines, the flight departed at 7 p.m. Wednesday from Charlotte bound for Heathrow Airport in London.

American Airlines spokesman Ken Powell says there were 258 passengers and 16 crew members on board the Airbus A330. The statement says the crew reported a possible issue with the airplane’s flaps and returned to Charlotte.

The plane circled an area above Davidson County for about four hours to burn off fuel.

American Airlines says the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident.

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