After an American Airlines plane caught fire, the National Transportation Safety Board finds engine parts installed backward

Robert Isom speaks at a podium while a group of people stand behind him. (Credit: Nathan Posner/Anadolu—Getty Images)

• On March 13, an American Airlines flight was diverted from its destination after the flight crew reported engine vibrations, and its engine caught fire once it landed. The National Transportation Safety Board said in a report this week the engine leaked fuel because of loose and improperly installed parts. Despite numerous reported aviation safety incidents, air travel is safer than it was decades ago, experts say.

An American Airlines engine that burst into flames after its aircraft was diverted in March was found to have fuel leaks and improperly installed parts, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a report released Thursday.