FORT WORTH- An American Airlines (AA) Airbus A320-200 operating flight AA3128 from Milwaukee, Wisconsin (MKE) to Dallas Fort Worth, Texas (DFW) was diverted to Tulsa, OK (TUL) on March 24, 2025, due to an in-flight engine shutdown.
The aircraft landed safely after the crew declared a Mayday, citing the failure of the right-hand engine.
American Airlines (AA) confirmed that the aircraft, operating as Flight 3128, experienced a mechanical issue mid-flight, prompting the diversion. The airline arranged alternate accommodations for affected passengers while maintenance teams assessed the aircraft.
Photo: Tim | FlickrAmerican Airlines A320 Diverted
On March 24, 2025, American Airlines (AA) Flight AA 3128, an Airbus A320-200, departed Milwaukee Airport’s Gate D54 at 11:22 local time, six minutes ahead of schedule. Data from FlightAware indicated that the aircraft landed safely at Tulsa International Airport at 13:27.
The pilots, adhering to standard emergency protocols, initiated a diversion to Tulsa International Airport, located approximately 30 nautical miles away.
Upon descending, the situation escalated as the engine completely failed, prompting the crew to declare a Mayday.
The decision to secure the engine—a standard procedure in such emergencies—ensured passenger safety and allowed for a controlled descent.
The aircraft successfully executed an emergency landing on runway 18L, approximately 30 minutes after leaving its cruising altitude.
This swift and professional response underscores the importance of pilot training and adherence to aviation safety protocols
A spokesperson from Tulsa International Airport confirmed that the aircraft showed no visible damage upon landing.
American Airlines stated that the aircraft was removed from service for a thorough inspection by maintenance personnel. Passengers were rebooked on alternate flights to reach their destinations.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrAircraft Details and Grounding Status
The aircraft involved in the incident was an Airbus A320-200, registered as N650AW is a 26.8-year-old, making it one of the oldest in American Airlines’ fleet.
The aircraft has a two-class cabin configuration, consisting of 12 business class seats and 138 economy seats.
The aging nature of the A320-200 fleet highlights the need for ongoing maintenance and eventual fleet modernization efforts.
Following the emergency landing, the aircraft was inspected and remains grounded at Tulsa International Airport (TUL) as of March 28, 2025.
Grounding is a standard precautionary measure following significant mechanical failures to allow for thorough inspections and necessary repairs.
However, such incidents often involve collaboration between the airline, engine manufacturers, and aviation regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to determine root causes and prevent future occurrences.
Photo: American AirlinesConclusion
The successful handling of flight AA-3128’s engine malfunction demonstrates the critical importance of crew training, adherence to safety protocols, and effective communication.
These elements collectively ensure passenger safety, even in unforeseen circumstances, maintaining confidence in air travel’s safety standards.
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