Returns To Paine Field Shortly After Takeoff Bound For Japan

A highly-modified Boeing 747 known as the "Dreamlifter" which is operated by Atlas Air was forced to return to Paine Field in Everett, WA, shortly after takeoff Tuesday after declaring an emergency during climb-out.

The plane was en route to Nagoya, Japan, where it was scheduled to pick up Boeing 787 assemblies and structures, according to a report appearing in The Airline Reporter blog. A Boeing spokesperson told the blog that the crew had received an indication of a potential problem with a hydraulic system.

The plane made several laps around the Pugett Sound area as it dumped fuel in order to be able to land at its maximum landing weight. It made a low pass over the airport for a visual inspection of the landing gear. Once it was determined that the gear was down and locked, the plane landed safely.

The Dreamlifter is now undergoing a safety inspection. The Dreamlifter is used to transport large assemblies for the Dreamliner from manufacturing facilities around the world to Everett, WA, and North Charleston, SC, where the airplanes are assembled. With a cargo hold measured at 65,000 cubic feet, it can hold three times the volume of a 747-400F freighter.

(Image captured from YouTube video)

FMI: www.boeing.com