1.   Besides a cockpit warning light, the crew was alerted by the pilot of a plane behind that flames and smoke were rising from the tail engine.

2.   Bedwell said American Airlines would investigate, debriefing the crew, examining the aircraft and replacing the tail engine, if necessary.

3.   In a statement, they said the jet lost part of the cover on its tail engine shortly after takeoff from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

4.   Witnesses on the ground said there was a large bang, and they saw blue and orange flames shooting out of the tail engine.