EVERETT, Wash. — One hundred fifty-five passengers and five crew members are safe after a McDonnell Douglas MD-80 jet made an emergency landing at Paine Field in Everett on Monday afternoon.
The FAA said the Allegiant Air flight heading from Bellingham to San Diego landed after the pilot noticed a left engine hydraulic warning light about 30 minutes into the trip.
"The pilot felt that it was the safest decision to divert to Paine Field,” said Jessica Wheeler with Allegiant Air.
The airline said there was a problem with the engine but had no other specifics.
The plane landed safely at 2:10 p.m.
Since Paine Field doesn't have security, passengers had to get on buses and go back to Bellingham to board another plane. Allegiant doesn't have any planes in Everett, and doesn't operate out of Sea-Tac Airport.
"The passengers and crew are in good spirits," Wheeler said.
Passengers were given food and drinks ahead of the bus trip.
This is the fourth Allegiant flight going to or from Bellingham to have a mechanical problem in 2012, according to The Bellingham Herald:
- January 4: Allegiant flight from Bellingham makes emergency landing after report of smoke in cabin
- February 22: Allegiant flight bound for Bellingham makes emergency stop in Oregon
- March 7: Allegiant flight from L.A. to Bellingham delayed by engine problem
KIRO
