About an hour into the flight the crew of the Boeing 757 noticed a smoky odor in the cabin and elected to make an emergency landing. They performed a rapid descent, which alarmed many of the 181 passengers, however the landing about 10:20 AM was uneventful. The chosen airport was in Waterloo, Iowa; a small field unaccustomed to such large aircraft with so many people.

The Waterloo mayor met the aircraft and arranged for food and beverages for all the passengers and crew (8). Some of the passengers, including Brian, spent their day at the local Isle of Capri Casino as they waited to board another plane for L.A.

Even the news got a picture of Brian talking with the flight attendant; probably telling her he's glad to be on the ground in one piece.