Rocket's Red Glare Causes Philly Bomb Scare
Plane dodges fireworks at Philadelphia airport.
May 22, 2012 — -- Authorities raced to Philadelphia International Airport this 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.
FBI and Philadelphia police on scene report that the incident occurred during the plane's approach to the airport over a wooded area. The plane was 500 feet above the ground and 1.5 miles from landing when the pilot saw a smoke trail approaching the plane from the ground and then a detonation. Authorities told ABC News it was not clear whether there was any intent to hit the plane.
No arrests have been made and officials are still trying to identify what kind of projectile was fired.
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