An Allegiant flight with service from Fort Wayne, Ind., to St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport aborted the takeoff Saturday morning due to mechanical problems, an Allegiant official said.
The pilots of Allegiant flight 891 declared an emergency on takeoff at Fort Wayne International Airport, an Allegiant media relations official said.
Passengers on the MD80 aircraft were told an engine blew out, said a passenger who was on the flight.
Flight 891 had 153 passengers and 6 crew members aboard scheduled to depart at 10:26 a.m. Central Standard Time, an Allegiant official said.
The plane rolled to a stop on the runway and returned to the gate. Passengers returned to the terminal with their carry-ons.
A replacement flight is en route to Fort Wayne International, an official said. The latest estimated time of departure is 5:10 p.m. (CST), with an estimated arrival time of about 7 p.m. local time.
Passengers will be provided free food and beverages during the delay and a $200 voucher toward future travel on an Allegiant flight, the official said.
