American Eagle Aircraft Grounded after TSA Check Went Awry

Nine American Eagle airplanes were grounded last week to be examined for damage after a Transportation Security Administration inspector may have jostled sensitive instrument probes while climbing aboard parked aircraft at Chicago O’Hare.

While inspecting the planes to ensure they were secure from tampering, the agent reportedly stepped on or grabbed temperature sensors that are mounted on the aircraft’s fuselage.

While no damage was found on any aircraft, the inspections caused at least 40 regional flights to be delayed. However, according to a CNN.com report, because the agent was able to board some of the planes using the probes, the airline faces possible fines over the inspections.

“The inspector was able to gain access to the interior of seven of the nine aircraft inspected, which is an apparent violation of the airline’s security program,” said Ellen Howe, a TSA spokeswoman quoted in the report. “TSA is reviewing the inspection results, and depending on the conclusion could take action with the airline up to and including levying of civil penalties.”