THE AREA IN BRIEF - SEATAC: Alaska Airlines jet turns around when landing gear door won't close

The Associated Press

An Alaska Airlines plane turned around and landed safely Monday morning when a landing gear door failed to close after takeoff from Sea-Tac Airport.

The plane's open door scraped the runway during the landing.

The aircraft, an MD80 model, blocked the runway for 20 minutes before it was moved, said airport spokesman Bob Parker.

Flight 344 had taken off for San Jose, Calif. at 6:40 a.m. and returned an hour and 10 minutes later. The plane's 135 passengers were placed on other flights, according to Alaska Airlines spokesman Greg Witter.

- The Associated Press 10/31/2000

http://www.tribnet.com/news/local/1031b210.html

-- Doris (reaper@pacifier.com), November 01, 2000