747 Jetliner Returns to LAX, 50 Firefighters at the Ready

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A 747 jetliner returned to Los Angeles International Airport early Wednesday after witnesses reported seeing sparks or flames in one of its engines, officials said.

The Cathay Pacific flight, which had about 330 people aboard, landed without incident at 12:17 a.m., said Diana Joubert, an operations officer for the Federal Aviation Administration.

The flight departed from Los Angeles at 11 p.m. Tuesday and was en route to Hong Kong, Joubert said.

Witnesses said they saw sparks or flames in the plane's fourth engine, she said. Authorities were investigating.

About 50 firefighters were at the scene awaiting the plane's arrival.