No Injuries Reported After Nosewheel Stays Up

An American Airlines MD-83 was brought in for a safe and uneventful emergency landing at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport Tuesday morning, after the plane's nosegear failed to extend.

A tower flyby confirmed a cockpit indication the plane's nosewheel failed to lower and lock in place as Flight 1740 was descending to land at O'Hare, enroute from Los Angeles.

The plane's pilot executed what appeared to be a spot-on landing, holding the plane's nose off the ground until the last possible moment. Minimal smoke and sparks were visible as the plane's aluminum nose contacted the pavement.

A statement from American issued shortly after the incident said "[t]here appears to be no damage to the runway and minimal damage to the aircraft" -- another apparent testament to the flight crew's expert handling of the situation.

No injuries were reported among the 136 passengers and crew onboard the aircraft, who deplaned through the aircraft's rear exit stairs.

The Chicago Department of Aviation and the FAA are investigating the incident.

FMI: www.aa.com