Airline officials apologize to woman whose home was hit by falling debris

ELLENWOOD, Ga. — China Airlines officials apologized to a Clayton County woman after her home was hit by debris falling off one of their cargo jets.

China Airlines Station Manager Michael Tan and two other employees visited Pam Ware's Ellenwood home Friday afternoon, five days after part of their 747's wing flap bounced off her home and tore two big holes in her roof.

Only Channel 2 Action News was there as the officials stepped into the home.  Cameras weren't allowed inside, but Tan answered questions afterward about the reason for the visit.

"Oh, just to apologize because we never got the chance," said Tan. 

He said they had tried to stop by earlier in the week, but no one was home.

Tan said the airline's insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage to Ware's roof next week.

"China Airlines will keep Ms. Ware aware," Tan said.  "The insurance company will handle the property loss."

Ware said she was in her bedroom Sunday afternoon when the hunk of metal crashed into her roof, splintering wood beams in her attic.  The FAA reported a 20-foot section of wing flap landed in a Walmart parking lot on Anvil Block Road. 

The China Airlines pilot radioed in an emergency when it happened, and he was able to land the plane safely. No one was hurt aboard the plane or by falling debris on the ground.

"The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) and Boeing will check on the left wing flap," said Tan. 

Ware said she appreciated the visit and the apology but is still haunted by the falling debris.

"I can't sleep," Ware said.  "I'm afraid to cut my own grass because I'm scared another piece may drop.  I'm sure the fear will heal and go away, but for the first time in the nine years I've lived in this home, I don't feel safe in my home."

The investigation continues into what caused the wing flap to come apart in flight.

WSBTV