Officials claimed Monday that a metal item thought to have fallen from a trans-Atlantic plane crashed outside the Maine State House, landing only feet from a Capitol Police officer.
According to Capitol Police Chief Matthew Clancy, the Federal Aviation Administration was notified on Friday and returned to the State House on Monday to inspect the item.
Approximately 6 to 8 feet from a security screener, the metal struck a piece of granite bordering a cobblestone walkaway with a loud thud and came near to striking the building itself, he added.
“It certainly surprised him,” stated the chief. He was walking back to the building when he had a rude awakening.
Nobody was injured.
The FAA suspects the 6- to 7-pound metal sleeve originated from a major passenger jet’s wing flap, he added. Clancy said that airlines were warned and all aircraft landed safely that day.
He said that the location where the aircraft portion landed to the ground is often utilized for demonstrations, protests, and news conferences while the Maine Legislature is in session.