A mechanical issue forced an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Rome to turn back mid-journey on Wednesday night, delaying travel for hundreds of passengers.
American Airlines Flight 720, a Boeing 777-200, departed Charlotte Douglas International Airport at 6:40 p.m. and was scheduled to land in Rome, Italy, at 9:50 am, but a major mechanical issued forced the plane to turn around over the Atlantic Ocean and make an emergency landing back in Charlotte, according to FlightAware data.
This is now the 3rd Boeing aircraft to be diverted and forced to make an emergency landing in Charlotte so far this year.
The plane landed safely in Charlotte and taxied to the gate under its own power. Maintenance crews inspected the aircraft after arrival.
The rescheduled Flight 720 is now set to depart Charlotte at 4 p.m. Thursday, with an expected arrival in Rome at 7:51 a.m. Friday.
