Jet with Nike execs lands safely after landing gear scare

HILLSBORO, Ore. – A corporate jet carrying top Nike executives touched down safely at Hillsboro airport today, with all wheels safely down, ending a five-hour drama in which the plane was unable to get one of the wheels to fully extend.

The pilot was able to get the right landing gear down after consulting with Gulfstream officials.

John O'Meara, chief test pilot for Gulfstream, was on the ground during the ordeal to help the executive jet land.

He told MSNBC that "with some basic airmanship on the part of the crew, who did a magnificent job and maintained their calm and demeanor, they were able to get the gear down."

About 25 onlookers cheered as the airplane — which was carrying Nike CEO William Perez and others from Nike — touched down at 12:11 p.m.

Among them was Max Lyons, president and owner of Hillsboro Aviation, a flight service that operates out of the suburban airport.

Lyons said of the pilot: "He did a great job. They were able to set it down smoothly on all three wheels. We're really happy for them."

The drama began at 7 a.m. when the Gulfstream V — carrying four Nike employees and a crew of three — took off from the Hillsboro airport, bound for Toronto, Canada.

The right wheel for some reason became stuck in a position that was about one-quarter extended.

Portland International Airport and the Hillsboro airport both prepared for a possible emergency landing.

As it burned off fuel to lessen the risk of fire during an emergency landing, the airplane made low passes over the Hillsboro runway.

As it made the passes, the airplane performed two "touch-and-go" maneuvers, briefly touching the runway with the extended left landing gear and then lifting off again, said Connie King, spokeswoman for the Hillsboro Fire Department.

She said the reason for the maneuver was apparently to try to jostle the other wheel down, but it remained stuck.

However, the crew was able to get the wheel extended after consulting with Gulfstream.