Smoke alarm in cockpit forces unscheduled landing in Newfoundland

The Associated Press 02/12/00 8:27 PM Eastern

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland (AP) -- A Continental Airlines DC-10 made an unscheduled landing Saturday in the capital of Newfoundland after a light went on, indicating the possibility of smoke in the cabin.

Fires trucks, ambulances and police vehicles were scrambled to the runway before a Continental Airlines DC-10 touched down safely. There were no reports of injuries.

"A light did go on, but there was no smoke, no fire. It was a misindication, a false signal. The plane is getting ready to go back into service," said Catherine Stengel, a spokeswoman for the Houston-based airline.

"It could have been a blown fuse. They're not sure what caused the light to go on," she said.

The plane's pilot reportedly asked to land at St. John's Airport, saying an air-conditioning unit in a cargo hold beneath the cockpit apparently overheated, sending smoke into the cabin.

Flight 55 from Paris was originally scheduled to arrive in Newark at 6:15 p.m. but was rescheduled to arrive in Newark later Saturday night.

There were 172 passengers on board, according to Stengle.

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-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), February 13, 2000