This is my first post:

On Friday 8/7 - I was flying on AA from DFW to EWR... Arrived at the airport on time, boarded plane and was told there was mechanical problem. After 1/2hour we deplaned and were told to sit tight. After 41/2 hours with very little communications from the Gate Agents, we were told they could not fix the plane and another was being located. We boarded another plane and after an appology we were on our way 5 1/2 hours from scheduled depature. 2 hours into the flight the pilot comes on the air and said we have a mechanical problem and to be safe, we are going to land in Indy (IND). After a bit of commotion in the back of the main cabin and visibly distressed passengers and crew, the pilot comes back on the air and said he has declared an emergency and that we will be landing with emergency services on the field.

As we approached the airport you could tell that the plane was experiencing severe mechanical problems. We had a rough landing around 11:30PM with all the emergency vehicles on the runway. They followed us as we slowly, very slowly came to a stop. The fire trucks surrounded the plane and we watched the firemen in their silver fire suits inspect the plane. After what seemed like an eternity we taxied to the terminal followed by emergency services. Again they held us on the plane for what seemed like 1/2 hour but was probably only 10 minutes. The pilot came on and said we lost one of our 2 engines and had some sort of fluid leaking from the wing. I assume he landed the plane with only one engine and no reverse thrusters... The pilot and the entire crew were outstanding!!!! This pilot deserves a raise!!! I have nothing but admiration for him and the crew!!!!!

AA put us up in a hotel (1:30AM) and the next morning (7:30AM) we on our way to Newark. Needless to say I didn't sleep!!!!!

I should also mention on the flight down to DFW we also had a mechanical problem that created a 2 hour delay. 3 mechanical problems on 1 trip???

I guess I have 2 questions:

1) Does AA have a history of mechanical problems?

2) Should I ask for and recieve some sort of compensation - not for the emergency landing, but for AA jerking us around for 4 1/2 hours while they tried to fix the first plane? If so what is the best way to go about asking for and recieving comp?