PORTLAND, Ore. — A fighter jet from the Oregon Air National Guard made a dramatic emergency landing at Portland International Airport (PDX) on Wednesday morning after reporting a landing gear malfunction. The pilot safely stopped the jet by deploying a tail hook to catch a safety cable stretched across the runway.
Landing Gear Problem Reported
The incident involved an F-15C Eagle, which had been returning from a routine training flight over the Pacific Ocean. Around 10:35 a.m., the pilot alerted air traffic controllers to a potential landing gear issue and was directed to execute an emergency landing.
According to the 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard, the jet’s tail hook successfully engaged the cable system on the runway, allowing the aircraft to come to a safe stop. Only one pilot was on board, and no injuries were reported.
Also Read
Air Traffic Disruptions
The emergency landing briefly disrupted operations at PDX. The airport’s south runway was closed for about 35 minutes while crews reset the arresting cable system used in such emergencies.
During that time, approximately 30 departing flights were delayed and seven incoming flights diverted to alternate airports, an airport spokesperson confirmed.
PDX’s north runway, which had been closed for scheduled construction, was temporarily reopened to help clear the backlog. Airport officials said normal operations resumed by about 11:10 a.m.
Safety Systems in Place
Airports that host military aircraft, like PDX, are equipped with specialized cable systems designed to help jets stop quickly if standard braking fails. The system functions much like those on aircraft carriers, with the jet’s tail hook catching the cable to rapidly decelerate.
The use of the tail hook is rare in civilian airports but a critical safety measure for fighter jets such as the F-15C.
Oregon Air National Guard Presence
The 142nd Wing, based at Portland International Airport, regularly flies F-15C Eagles for training missions along the Oregon coast and over the Pacific Ocean. The unit’s pilots are responsible for protecting the Pacific Northwest airspace and are trained to handle emergency scenarios like Wednesday’s landing.
Officials said the incident will be reviewed as part of standard procedure, but they emphasized that the system worked as designed and ensured the safety of both the pilot and the aircraft.
Quick Return to Normalcy
By late morning, travelers at PDX experienced only residual delays as flights returned to their regular schedules. Airport officials thanked passengers for their patience and noted that safety remained the top priority during the brief disruption.
The Oregon Air National Guard said the pilot is expected to resume duties once the jet undergoes a full inspection.
