On January 29, 2023, a regional jet operated by PSA Airlines under the American Eagle brand crashed while landing at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina, near the North Carolina border. The incident involved 34 passengers and 3 crew members, highlighting the ongoing risks of commercial aviation even at well-equipped airports.
While no fatalities were reported, several passengers sustained minor injuries and the airport ramp sustained damage to gates and ground equipment. This event quickly drew attention from national news outlets and aviation safety investigators, raising public interest in what happened and why.
Flight And Aircraft Details
Flight 5362 originated from Charlotte Douglas International Airport and was operated by PSA Airlines using an Embraer E175 aircraft. The flight experienced a hard touchdown and veered off the runway, prompting an emergency evacuation of the aircraft.
| Flight Number | Aircraft Type | Route | Occupants |
|---|---|---|---|
| AA 5362 | Embraer E175 | Charlotte (CLT) to Greenville (GSP) | 37 |
| Operating Carrier | Incident Date | Airport | Outcome |
| PSA Airlines d/b/a American Eagle | January 29, 2623 | Greenville-Spartanburg International (GSP) | No fatalities, multiple minor injuries |
Investigation Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) led the investigation, focusing on weather conditions, approach performance, and aircraft systems. Preliminary data suggested the aircraft encountered wind shear and a sudden drop in visibility during the final approach.
Data from the flight data recorder indicated that thrust reductions and autopilot disconnections occurred close to the runway. Contributing factors included potential timing issues with the go-around decision and training considerations for handling marginal weather at GSP.
Airport Context And Operations
Greenville-Spartanburg International serves as a key hub for regional travel in Upstate South Carolina, with expanding commercial connections to major hubs. The airport has modern instrument approaches, but its proximity to mountainous terrain can complicate low-visibility operations.
Runway length, approach lighting, and local weather variability are consistent with other midsize airports, yet the January storm system that day pushed conditions beyond usual operational limits. This context helps explain the challenges faced by the flight crew.
Passenger Impact And Aftermath
Passengers reported confusion and panic during the evacuation, as smoke and darkness delayed exit routes. Emergency responders coordinated a swift response, treating minor injuries on site and transporting several passengers to local hospitals as a precaution.
Airliners and airport authorities provided customer support, including rebooking on later flights and mental health resources. The incident also prompted reviews of evacuation procedures and ground coordination at GSP to improve future responses.
Safety Recommendations And Key Takeaways
- Review airline safety briefings and evacuation procedures before each flight.
- Stay aware of weather conditions along your route, especially near mountainous regions.
- Follow crew instructions calmly during emergencies to ensure safe evacuations.
- Advocate for updated equipment and training at regional airports through local oversight groups.
- Monitor NTSB reports to understand root causes and preventive actions.
FAQ
Reader questions
How common are runway excursions at Greenville-Spartanburg Airport compared to other US airports?
Runway excursions at GSP remain rare, and its safety record aligns well with similar airports, though each incident drives additional procedural refinements.
What specific weather hazards were identified in the NTSB report for this American Eagle crash near North Carolina?
Wind shear, rapid visibility reduction, and unexpected low-level cloud formations were cited as key weather challenges during the approach.
Are passengers who were injured on this flight eligible for compensation under US aviation law?
Passengers may pursue claims for medical expenses and related damages under airline liability rules, with timelines and requirements varying by jurisdiction and circumstances.
Did this incident lead to any long term operational changes at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport?
Yes, the airport updated low-visibility procedures, enhanced cross-training for ground crews, and added additional signage and lighting to improve ramp safety.