Plane With Nose Gear Problem Diverted To MIA
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
A Stage 1 alert has been declared at Miami International Airport after a Chicago-bound plane developed mechanical problems as it left Palm Beach International Airport and was diverted to Miami.
American Airlines Flight 862, which had left Palm Beach International Airport on a flight to Chicago, apparently developed the problem shortly after takeoff. The MD-80 jetliner had 138 passengers and crew members aboard, according to the FAA.
The pilot of the jet has been flying around the area of Miami International Airport in an effort to burn off fuel, and did a fly-by so pictures could be taken of the nose gear equipment. The plane is expected to burn off about 4 thousand pounds of fuel, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
The plane, which was likely fully field upon takeoff, must meet landing requirements for Miami International Airport by burning the fuel and reducing its landing weight.
Miami International Airport was selected for the landing because of the length of the airport's runways and the emergency response teams in place. A spokesman for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said their crews are on a stand-by status, and consider this a relatively low-level alert.
As crews awaited the plane's arrival, Miami International Airport remained open and planes continued to land and take off.
FAA spokesperson Katheen Bergen said this is is not a routine situation, but "crews are well trained to handle these situations."