Inspector enters parked planes at O'Hare

American Airlines is defending its security practices after a Transportation Security Administration inspector entered nine American Eagle planes parked overnight at O'Hare International Airport.

TSA officials say the inspector gained access to the unattended jets during random inspections that are conducted daily at U.S. airports to verify compliance with security regulations.

American Airlines spokesman Tim Wagner said Wednesday the parent company of American Eagle followed all security procedures. He refused to say what those procedures are.

American contends the actions taken by the security officer were inappropriate. Officials say the inspector hanged on sensitive equipment mounted on the aircraft fuselages to pull himself up to the doors.

The airline conducted inspections required under Federal Aviation Administration rules to ensure the planes were safe to fly.