Aircraft engine parts from the skeletons of two jets charred in the gulf war wound up on an unknown number of planes worldwide, causing the potential for catastrophic failure, federal officials said.
The parts - which ranged from fan blades to valves, pumps and bolts - were intended for the junk heap, but some may still be out there, U.S. Attorney James Burns said in announcing fraud indictments against four men.The parts came from two planes, a British Airways 747 and a Kuwaiti DC-9 that were destroyed by fire and shrapnel at Kuwait International Airport.
Two Chicago-area men and a Kuwaiti national were charged with 25 counts each of mail and wire fraud for selling $500,000 in parts through fraudulent means. A third Chicago man was charged with one count of fraud. Each count carries a maximum five-year sentence.