A motorist had a lucky escape when a small engine part broke off an aircraft as it was taking off and landed on a car in California.
The small part, thought to be a fuel vent cover, hit the car in the community of Balboa Island in Newport Beach, Orange County, but no injuries were reported.
Federal Aviation Administration said it came from a United Airlines’ Airbus A320 jet as it left John Wayne Airport.
United is probing the incident itself and plans to speak with the contractor who was in charge of refuelling the aircraft.
"At United, safety is our top priority. We are reviewing this incident internally and working with the authorities and manufacturers," said spokesman Charles Hobart.
The local Newport Beach community had opposed new departure paths out of the airport.
