Landing gear problem forces flight back to PHL

SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A Lufthansa flight en route to Germany had to return to the Philadelphia International Airport after a problem with the plane's landing gear.

Lufthansa Flight 427 took off at 5:45 p.m. Sunday headed to Frankfurt, Germany.

Shortly after takeoff, airport officials say an indicator light came due to an issue with the landing gear.

It was later confirmed that the landing gear got stuck and didn't retract.

The pilot flew the plane over Chester County and circled the area, trying to get the gear up. But the attempts failed.

So the aircraft dumped fuel for 45 minutes in order to get back to a safe landing weight. Experts say the fuel vaporized at 5,000 feet or more.

Officials say the plane was able to land safely back at Philadelphia International around 7:45 p.m.

There were no injuries to the crew or the 270 passengers on board at the time.

The Associated Press is reporting that the passengers were accommodated in hotels for the night and were to continue their trip Monday.