Leaky nozzle found to have grounded plane

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TOKYO, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- The Boeing 787 airplane is safe despite a recent spate of mechanical and other problems, the most recent last week, the plane manufacturer's spokesman said.

A Japan Airlines spokesman Sunday said the airline inspected a 787 Dreamliner involved in a fuel spill last week at Boston's Logan International Airport and discovered a leak from a nozzle on the plane's left wing, CNN reported in Tokyo.

The aircraft was to take off for Tokyo on January 8 when a pilot on another airplane noticed the plane leaking fuel just before takeoff, CNN reported.

The Dreamliner has had negative publicity after a number of problems within the last four months, including reports of oil and fuel leaks, engine cracks and a damaged cockpit window, CNN reported.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration Friday began a thorough examination of the plane's design, manufacture and assembly, CNN said.

"These planes are safe. We welcome any opportunity to further assure people outside the industry," said the head of Boeing's commercial airplanes unit, Ray Conner.

"I am wary of a plane model that has fire problems and leaks fuel. I think of it the same as a new car model: wait a year or two to get all the 'recalls' sorted out," said Bobby Burns, an Atlanta-based a project manager who flies more than 50 times per year.