American Airlines Flight 63 (2001)

American Airlines Flight 63 bombing attempt
Richard Reid's shoes
LocationAirborne, between Paris, France and Miami, U.S.
DateDecember 22, 2001; 22 years ago (2001-12-22)
TargetCivilian airliner
Attack type
Attempted suicide bombing
WeaponImprovised explosive device concealed in shoe
Deaths0
Injured1
Perpetratoral-Qaeda
AssailantRichard Reid
MotiveIslamist terrorism through suicide bombing
Convictions8 Counts of terrorism
American Airlines Flight 63
N384AA, the aircraft involved, 11 years after the incident
Bombing attempt
DateDecember 22, 2001
SummaryAfter bomb failed to detonate properly, flight performed an emergency diversion to Boston and landed safely
SiteAirborne, between Paris and Miami
Aircraft
Aircraft typeBoeing 767-300ER
OperatorAmerican Airlines
IATA flight No.AA63
ICAO flight No.AAL63
Call signAmerican 63
RegistrationN384AA[1]
Flight originCharles de Gaulle Airport
DestinationMiami International Airport
Occupants197
Passengers185
Crew12[2]
Fatalities0
Injuries1
SurvivorsAll

On December 22, 2001, a failed shoe bombing attempt occurred aboard American Airlines Flight 63. The aircraft, a Boeing 767-300ER (registration N384AA) with 197 passengers and crew aboard, was flying from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France, to Miami International Airport in the U.S. state of Florida.

The perpetrator, Richard Reid, was subdued by passengers after unsuccessfully attempting to detonate plastic explosives concealed within his shoes. The flight was diverted to Logan International Airport in Boston, escorted by American jet fighters, and landed without further incident. Reid was arrested and eventually sentenced to three life terms plus 110 years, without parole.

  1. ^ "FAA Registry (N384AA)". Federal Aviation Administration.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference time 09-01-02 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).