Airplane Lands Safely After Landing Gear Scare
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The pilot of a small plane who feared his landing gear was disabled circled Van Nuys Airport for about 90 minutes Tuesday before making a safe emergency landing, authorities said.
Shortly after 11:45 a.m., the pilot of the twin-engine Beechcraft Dutchess radioed the control tower that he was having a problem with the landing gear, said airport spokeswoman Charlene Klink. With airport police officers, firefighters and paramedics stationed around the runway, the pilot began circling to burn fuel and reduce the chance of fire if the landing ended badly, officials said.
Authorities did not identify the pilot, whose landing gear was down and apparently working.
Dozens of onlookers, alerted by live coverage on cable news television networks, were on hand to witness the drama. Several voiced disappointment over the uneventful conclusion.
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