American Airlines accidentally flew the wrong plane from L.A. to Hawaii last month

In late August, American Airlines accidentally flew the wrong plane from Los Angeles to Hawaii, a mix-up that violated Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

The mistake, first reported by aviation blogger Brian Sumers, occurred on Aug. 31 — just days after the airline began flying Airbus A321 planes on the L.A. to Hawaii route (other planes in American Airlines’ fleet have long flown this route).

A spokesman for the airline confirmed to the Washington Post that a version of the A321 plane that was not certified to make long flights over water — as on the route between Los Angeles and Hawaii— was accidentally flown that day.

The mistake was caught midway through the flight, Sumers reported, but a decision was made to continue to Hawaii. The airline canceled the return flight and the empty plane was flown back to Los Angeles.

“Immediately when we realize what happened, we notified the FAA and we are working and fully cooperating with them,” said spokesman Casey Norton. “We also have an ongoing, thorough review of our policies and procedures.”

Planes that fly routes with no suitable landing areas are required to have a certification called ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) which is primarily an administrative requirement, but it also calls for the planes to be equipped with extra oxygen and a fire suppression cannister.

The A321 planes can be either ETOPS certified or non-ETOPS certified. Both planes have the same number of life vests, rafts, and engine range, Norton said.

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