American Airlines flight diverted to Jacksonville after soda spill

An American Airlines flight from Miami to Chicago was grounded Tuesday afternoon due to a mechanical issue caused by, of all things, a spilled soda.

None of the roughly 150 people aboard the Boeing 737 was hurt when the plane landed at Jacksonville International Airport about 4:45 p.m., aviation officials said.

The city fire department had units on standby after receiving an alert about the unexpected stop but the plane landed without incident, according to department spokesman Tom Francis.

In a statement provided by a spokesman, the airline said the flight crew made an emergency landing after a soft drink splashed on a power outlet to a seat in the main cabin

The incident is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration. It left passengers stranded at the airport until their journey was expected to resume about 10 p.m.

The airline attributed the spill to a passenger, but passenger Preston Wake doesn’t remember it happening that way.

Wake, 43, said he was seated in row 7 on the flight taking him home to Chicago when a flight attendant fumbled a soft drink and inadvertently drenched him.

“I can’t really tell you how far it went, but I was soaked,” said Wake. “I had to change my clothes and everything.”

The next thing he knew, Wake said the crew was preparing to land in Jacksonville. Despite the inconvenience, he praised airport staff for their hospitality and said passengers were treated to snacks while they waited.

“They’ve been taking care of everybody and I’m very pleased with that,” Wake said.

Garrett Pelican: (904) 359-4385