In October 2007, Alwaleed ordered a test flight version of the A380: Serial number 002, essentially a second hand plane, which one source said was about 23, 000 pounds heavier than the current version of the plane.

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And a few days ago, according to one source, he was put on a plane for Amman, Jordan -- an intermediate stop on his journey home.

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The source said the flames destroyed the steering cables above the front cargo hold that control the plane's movement.

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Two other passengers were removed from the plane "out of an abundance of caution" after it left the gate, a federal law enforcement source said.

CNN: By the CNN Wire Staff