American Airlines pilots say there's been a 'significant spike' in safety problems

• The Allied Pilots Association says safety problems are increasing at American Airlines.
• It said incidents include tools left in wheel wells and increased collisions between towed planes.
• United Airlines has faced increased oversight from regulators, which American will want to avoid.

The union for American Airlines pilots has warned that safety problems are increasing at the carrier.

In a Saturday statement, the Allied Pilots Association said it "has been tracking a significant spike in safety- and maintenance-related problems in our operation."