Mechanical issue forces jet’s return to JFK

By BRADLEY BROOKS

Associated Press Writer

updated 4:27 p.m. ET Nov. 9, 2009

RIO DE JANEIRO - TAM Airlines says one of its jets took off from New York's JFK airport but was forced to return 20 minutes into the flight because of a mechanical problem.

TAM Linhas Aereas SA says that Flight JJ8081 en route to Sao Paulo with 196 people on board returned Friday night after a warning light indicated problems with the wing flaps.

An airline spokesman says the jet circled in the air for several minutes to burn fuel and lighten up before safely landing at JFK. He spoke on condition of anonymity as he wasn't authorized to discuss the incident.

The plane was repaired and took off from JFK early Saturday, landing safely in Sao Paulo at 10:38 a.m. (7:38 a.m. EST; 1238 GMT).

MORE FROM NEWS

News Section Front

Security threat keeps American jet grounded JetBlue waiving change fees U.K. court: British Airways can bar strike EU signs airline deal with Canada AAA says holiday travel to rise this year Travel industry gearing up for return to Cuba High-speed Russian train makes maiden trip Continental Airlines to launch Fiji service Flight attendant’s call caught pilots unaware The decade in travel: Technology and terrorism News Section Front   Add News headlines to your news reader: