A Continental Airlines jet with one of its landing gear stuck in retracted position skidded to a safe emergency landing Friday night at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, an airline spokesman said. No injuries were reported.
The 127 passengers and seven crew members aboard the Boeing 727 evacuated safely, Continental spokesman Richard Danforth said from Houston.Shortly after the plane took off for Denver, pilots discovered the left rear landing gear hadn't properly retracted and was stuck in its retracted position. The plane circled to burn off excess fuel, then landed with only its right rear landing gear and nose gear extended, Danforth said.
The landing strip was coated with fire-retardant foam, and the jet's pilot set the plane down on its right side before easing down the left side, television station WXYZ reported. Smoke and sparks shot out as the plane skidded down the runway, the station said.
The plane's left wing was blackened and lying on the ground, the station said.
Danforth said the passengers exited through the rear stairs, and didn't use the emergency exit chutes.
Airport officials weren't immediately available to comment. Wayne County sheriff's authorities wouldn't comment.