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Blackout at L.A. International Airport Disrupts Air Traffic

April 12, 2004

Blackout at L.A. International Airport Disrupts Air Traffic
April 12, 2004 – A total power outage in the control tower at Los Angeles International Airport disrupted air travel Monday, reports Federal Aviation Administration.

All radar, radios and telephones were affected by the blackout at 9:40 a.m. today, FAA spokesman Donn Walker said. Even the lights went out.

About 100 flights were affected, either having to remain in the air, circle or stay on the ground at their departure points for a time, Walker said.

Some departures from Los Angeles were also held but that was relatively quickly resolved.

Shortly after 11 a.m., Walker reported that most power was back on but enough equipment remained out that instrument approaches would not be possible. Walker added that good weather made instrument approaches unnecessary.

The outage was blamed on a power surge.Technicians were working on the problem.

Walker referred questions about the cause of the power surge to the city Department of Water and Power.

For more information, visit http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A5625-2004Apr12.html

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