An Allegiant Air plane made two emergency landings within 24 hours after taking off from St. Pete-Clearwater Airport because of problems with the hydraulic system.
The Tampa Bay Times reports a plane bound for New Windsor, New York, returned about 90 minutes after take-off Thursday after the crew discovered a drop in hydraulic fluid. Allegiant officials said the fluid never dropped below the minimum level. The crew returned out of an abundance of caution, circling over the Gulf of Mexico to burn off fuel so the aircraft won't be overweight for landing.
On Wednesday, the same plane ran into trouble before its scheduled arrival at the airport on a flight that departed from Moline, Ill. Officials said a leak in a hydraulic line caused the pilot to declare an emergency. The plane landed safely and was tested and cleared.
No one was injured.
