Allegiant flight aborts takeoff at Orlando Sanford International Airport

Allegiant flight aborts takeoff at Orlando airport

A passenger aboard an Allegiant Air flight departing Orlando Sanford International Airport says she feared for her life when the plane abruptly aborted takeoff Monday, prompting emergency crews to respond and all passengers to deplane.

SANFORD, Fla. - A passenger aboard an Allegiant Air flight departing Orlando Sanford International Airport says she feared for her life when the plane abruptly aborted takeoff Monday, prompting emergency crews to respond and all passengers to deplane.

What we know:

Allegiant Flight 600, bound for Indianapolis, was forced to abort takeoff at Orlando Sanford International Airport on Monday after the pilot was alerted to a potential issue with the plane’s environmental control system. 

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The aircraft came to a sudden stop on the runway, and passengers were returned to the gate as emergency crews responded. The flight eventually departed hours later without incident.

What we don't know:

Allegiant has not disclosed the exact nature of the system warning that prompted the aborted takeoff. It’s also unclear whether the issue was mechanical, electronic, or sensor-related. The airline has not said if the aircraft was switched or repaired before departure.

The backstory:

The environmental control system monitors and manages cabin air pressure and temperature. Issues with this system can cause discomfort or danger during flight. While the airline maintains that there was no emergency, the pilot's decision to halt takeoff highlights how even a suspected malfunction can trigger a full safety protocol, including fire department response.

What they're saying:

One passenger, Candice Lyon, captured the tense moment on video as the aircraft sped down the runway before coming to a sudden stop.

"So we were rolling down the runway fast, slammed on the brakes," said passenger Candice Lyon. "I knew I was going to die then... I was for sure we were going to go up in flames."

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Despite the scare, Lyon said she was impressed by the airline’s communication and the pilot’s response. 

"Allegiant did a good job and told us what was happening, so I live another day," Lyon added.

Allegiant said in a statement that the incident "did not escalate into an emergency" and that the stop was made "purely for safety."