(March 15, 2004) -- A small twin engine plane suffered landing gear failure and made a safe emergency landing on LB Airport's main Runway 30 on March 14. Large planes were diverted onto shorter Runway 25R (aligned with Monlaco Rd. on approach, 36th St. on takeoff) for about 90 minutes. LBReport.com posted an advisory of the diversions within minutes of our learning of them.

Photo: Wayne Chaney, LBFD

LBFD Public Information Officer Wayne Chaney says fire units were advised that an incoming plane was approaching with landing gear failure at 5:18 p.m...and responded in a blistering 1 minute and 27 seconds. The pilot, a man from Los Alamitos with considerable flying experience, safely brought the plane in. It skidded off runway without losing any fuel and no injuries were reported.

PIO Chaney said Assistant LBFD Chief Bon Samuelson remarked that the pilot did a fantastic job safely landing the aircraft.

Following an inspection, the Airport's main Runway 30 was reopened at roughly 7:00 p.m.