AA flight boarded during Haiti earthquake

[FWAAA]

American Airlines Flight 1908 was scheduled to depart from Haiti at 5:30 p.m. local time but took off instead at 6:41 p.m. after the runway was inspected, said Andrea Huguely, an American spokeswoman in Fort Worth, Texas.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1263355786...mp;mod=yahoo_hs

This morning, it appears that thousands of people may have perished in the worst earthquake to hit Haiti in over 200 years. Most headlines reporting that Haiti was completely devastated. Some news outlets reporting that the airport control tower may have been damaged or demolished during the quake. Airport is reportedly closed today - and no word on when it may reopen. Runway obviously not damaged (or else 1908 would still be there). Dozens of first responders (including dog teams) assembled last night and currently ready to depart Los Angeles this morning once they get the word.

Hoping that AA can return to PAP soon with relief supplies.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/cb_haiti_earthquake

My thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.

 

[Hopeful]

As if those poor people haven't suffered enough just trying to survive there on a daily basis.
My prayers are with them all.

 

[FWAAA]

On Wednesday, Eagle flew three ATRs loaded with relief supplies to PAP and plans to fly three flights each day on Thursday and Friday. AA offering AAdvantage miles for donations to the Red Cross:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/AMR-Corp-Par...ml?x=0&.v=1

 

[Hatu]

Were there any crews laying over in PAP when the earthquake hit?

 

[Mach85ER]

No crews layover at PAP.

A few weeks ago, I asked the station agent where the crew would stay in the event of a maintenance cancellation.

The agent replied it's a great hotel, very secure and nice, all the crews love it.

It was the Hotel Montana, reported from various sources as collapsed or slid off the mountain.

 

[Hatu]

It was the Hotel Montana, reported from various sources as collapsed or slid off the mountain.
[/quote]

Wow, scary stuff. Good thing there was no reason for anyone to be laying over.

 

[Maurice Chevalier]

It was the Hotel Montana, reported from various sources as collapsed or slid off the mountain.

Haiti's Hôtel Montana, Hotel Christopher Collapse; Hundreds Feared Dead

Some 200 guests have been reported missing at Hôtel Montana, a 4-star tourist hotel that is one of the many buildings in and around Haiti's capital of Port-au-Prince that were destroyed in Tuesday's massive earthquake.

Alain Joyandet, an official with France's State Department, tells Agence France-Presse that 300 people were believed to be inside the 145-key Montana when it collapsed, while only about 100 have been accounted for. The 98-year-old hotel, which was popular with French tourists, is said to be completely destroyed.

 

[eolesen]

Were there any crews laying over in PAP when the earthquake hit?

This is just one more example of how a motivated crew can get out of Dodge in a hurry....

AA's done a pretty good job of not leaving aircraft or crews on the ground at PAP since at least 2000 (when Aristide resumed the presidency).

Any word on *how* they left without being able to file an IFR flight plan, and without ATC? Did they just head out VFR until they could get hold of SDQ or PLS?