Blows Four Tires, Passengers Left Waiting

An aborted takeoff in an airliner is stressful -- for both the passengers onboard and the equipment.

The Associated Press reports Qantas Flight 12 was departing Los Angeles International Airport late Monday night for Sydney, Australia, carrying 232 passengers and enough fuel to cross the Pacific, when the pilot got a warning light and had to abort the takeoff.

LAX spokeswoman Treva Miller said when the pilot jammed on the brakes, four tires blew, and the jet wound up stranded on an adjacent runway. Australian media reports say passengers were given no details on the cause for what many described as a terrifying experience, but were simply asked to remain in their seats for about a half-hour before all were evacuated safely.

Qantas spokeswoman Agnes Huff said passengers were taken to area hotels and the flight was rescheduled to depart for Sydney at 12:45 pm Tuesday.

While some of the passengers told reporters they weren't sure they would ever fly again, Qantas said the Boeing 747-400 involved in the incident would have no such emotional issues.

Crews planned to have the plane back in service in time for the Tuesday afternoon flight.

FMI: www.qantas.com