Crew Able To Extend Problem Gear, Land Uneventfully

A Gulfstream V (file photo of type, below) owned by Nike Inc. that experienced landing gear problems shortly after takeoff from Portland's Hillsboro (OR) Airport landed safely -- on all its wheels -- after a three hour ordeal that was covered extensively by cable news services.

According to media reports, the flight crew onboard the jet was able to fully extend the right main gear -- which had jammed at a 45-degree angle when the crew recycled the gear following an indication a maingear door was jammed open -- after performing a series of high-g manuevers to force the gear into a down-and-locked position.

While orbiting the Portland area for three hours to burn off fuel, the crew also performed several flybys at Hillsboro airport for the tower to inspect the gear.

Gulfstream representatives and test pilots were also in communication with the crew onboard the jet, giving their suggestions on how handle the incident.

The corporate jet was carrying four Nike executives, with three crewmembers onboard. The flight was reportedly heading to Toronto, and had fuel onboard for the approximately 2,100 mile trip.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov