News-Journal Wire Services

CHARLESTON, S.C. - A Pan American Airways flight with 69 people on board made an emergency landing in South Carolina and more than dozen passengers were taken to hospitals after the plane was tossed by heavy turbulence Friday.

Pan American president Dave Fink said there didn't appear to be any serious injuries.

All but two of the 14 passengers who were taken to hospitals had been released Friday night, the (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier reported. A fight attendant who had been knocked unconscious during the turbulence was one of two who remained hospitalized, no details were available on the other.

Fink said the Boeing 727 was flying from Sanford, Fla., to Pittsburgh when it hit turbulence and dropped at least 1,000 feet.

"People were really buffeted around, so the best thing to do was go to the nearest airport and set it down," Fink said.

He said there were no problems with the plane, which landed in Charleston about 6 p.m., but another plane was sent to pick up the passengers and continue the flight.

Pan American began flying in 1927 but ceased operations in 1991. A new service began operating late last year out of Newington.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/2000/Jul/29/1175.htm

-- Doris (reaper1@mindspring.com), July 29, 2000