Preliminary information
On June 4, 2013, at approximately 1435 local time, American Airlines flight 187, a B777-200, N782AN, declared mayday due to emergency fuel while on approach to Beijing Capital International Airport (ZBAA) Beijing, China. As AAL187 started its approach to ZBAA, a heavy thunderstorm was present at the airport and AAL187 was unable to land. The flight crew determined Tianjin Binhai International Airport (ZBTJ) as an alternate airport, which is about 150km away from ZBAA. However, as the flight approached ZBTJ, it was also fully covered by a heavy thunderstorm, and the crew selected Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (ZBSJ) as a second alternate where they landed uneventually. The flight originated from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois.
The incident is being investigated by the Office of Aviation Safety, Northern Regional Administration (NRA) of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). In accordance with ICAO Annex 13, the NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative as the State of Manufacture and State of the Operator.
All inquiries should be directed to the CAAC at the following:
Office of Aviation Safety
Northern Regional Administration
Civil Aviation Administration of China
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for DCA13WA101 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 4, 2013
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Shijiazhuang, CN
- Highest injury
- None
Boeing 777
- N-number
- N782AN
- Operating rule
- Part 121 (airline)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.