PAL flight to LA diverted to Japan

MANILA, Philippines —Philippine Airlines said its flight to Los Angeles carrying 427 passengers has been diverted to northern Japan due to an exhaust fan malfunction.

It said all passengers have been accommodated in hotels while waiting for the aircraft to be cleared for flight.

The airline said Flight PR 102 left Manila Thursday evening and was diverted early Friday, after the crew noticed a malfunctioning exhaust fan in the flight deck area.

It said the pilots decided to land in Chitose Airport in Saporro to prevent possible overheating of aircraft components and to ensure passenger safety.

The plane is expected to leave Saturday afternoon and arrive in Los Angeles in the morning of the same day.