Engine trouble forces jet back to Shannon

20/05/2005 - 17:21:48
A transatlantic jet today had to make an emergency return to Shannon Airport after engine trouble developed less than an hour into a flight to the US.

The scheduled Continental Airlines developed a problem with one of its two engines shortly after take-off at 11am, which caused it to be shut down, an airport spokeswoman said.

The Boeing 757, which was carrying 163 passengers bound for Newark, was forced to return to Shannon Airport.

The pilot called in an emergency and a full emergency crew was in attendance when the jet landed, but it touched down safely just after midday.

The spokeswoman said the passengers would have to spend the night at Shannon while the plane was repaired or replaced.