Cessna lands safely at Van Nuys Airport with equipment stuck

VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A small jet landed at Van Nuys Airport with its landing gear stuck and came to a safe stop on the runway Tuesday without major damage or injuries.

The Cessna 550 Citation II, a corporate jet, circled the airport for at least 10 to 15 minutes while the pilot communicated with the tower about the gearbox problem and apparently was consuming fuel.

It then descended steadily and landed on the runway. The nose dropped and slid across the ground, sparks flying as the plane slowed. The aircraft otherwise remained calm and did not swerve or veer off the runway. No fire was seen.

Two occupants exited shortly after the plane grounded and there were no immediate signs of serious injury.

Several emergency vehicles were being prepared for landing on the runway.