Posted on Sun, May. 09, 2004

RICARDO ZUNIGA

Associated Press

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - A twin-engine plane blew a tire on landing and skidded off the runway at San Juan's main airport Sunday, injuring at least 13 people, authorities said.

One wing on the Super ATR turboprop, which was carrying 22 passengers and four crew members, struck the runway after the blowout, Port Authority executive director Miguel Soto Lacourt said.

The aircraft stopped on its left side in a wooded area and its wing was heavily damaged. Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen said the fuselage was intact.

The 13 injured, including the pilot and co-pilot, were taken to local hospitals and listed in stable condition, he said. Some others aboard had cuts and bruises and ere treated at the scene.

The incident occurred at 2:50 p.m. as American Eagle Flight 5401 was arriving at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport from the Puerto Rican city of Mayaguez.