[Andrew C]

Glad I was not there

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/pla...420421380.html

Plane touches down on third of its landing gear

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April 9, 2008 - 5:58AM
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The occupants of a small plane escaped disaster north of Cairns today after the pilot set the plane down on a third of its landing gear.

The Cessna 402 took off around 3.17pm (AEST) from Laura Airport en-route to Cairns, Queensland Police say.

The eight passengers from various state government departments, the Cooktown Council and Cape York Land Council were in Laura for the opening of the local sports centre.

"Just minutes into the flight, the cockpit and cabin started filling with smoke, prompting the 46-year-old female pilot to return to Laura Airport," Queensland police said in a statement.

"On activating the landing gear the pilot found that only the left wheels have extended leaving the front wheels and the right rear wheels locked in the up position."

The pilot made an emergency landing on the dirt runway, with the plane sustaining extensive damage to the right propeller, right wing and undercarriage of the plane.

All of the passengers were evacuated to the local pub and examined by staff from the Laura Clinic.

None of them was injured and they were later taken back to Cairns.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been advised of the incident.

AAP