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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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American Cancels 171 Flights to Inspect Boeing Jets

Dozens of planes grounded to check out wiring issue

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(Newser) – American Airlines canceled 171 flights today, benching almost its entire fleet of Boeing MD-80 twinjet aircrafts, the Chicago Tribune reports. American said it was inspecting how a “certain bundle of wires” was attached to ensure it complied with an FAA directive. But American said the grounding was voluntary, not FAA-mandated. The planes will be brought back into service throughout the day.

But for now, at Chicago O’Hare, hundreds of would-be fliers are left stranded. “This is our second spring break in a row where we’ve had plans on American Airlines and we’ve been canceled,” said one traveler. “Needless to say, we are less than pleased.” The incident follows hot on the heels of an FAA-ordered inspection of all Boeing 737s.

American Airlines MD-80 jet sits on the tarmac in this file photo. American grounded much of its MD-80 fleet today over a wiring malfunction.
American Airlines MD-80 jet sits on the tarmac in this file photo. American grounded much of its MD-80 fleet today over a wiring malfunction.   (AP Photo)
An American Airlines passenger jet prepares to land at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in this file photo.
An American Airlines passenger jet prepares to land at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, file)
Stranded travelers receive assistance at an American Airlines ticket counter following several flight cancellations in this file photo. A wiring issue caused a new round of cancellations today.
Stranded travelers receive assistance at an American Airlines ticket counter following several flight cancellations in this file photo. A wiring issue caused a new round of cancellations today.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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