On Saturday afternoon a pilot flying a twin‑engine plane from Sundance Airport realized that a tow bar had not been removed from the aircraft’s nose wheel. The oversight was discovered shortly after takeoff, prompting the pilot to circle the area and seek an immediate landing site.
Diverting to Wiley Post Airport
Rather than attempting to continue the flight to Texas, the pilot elected to divert to Wiley Post Airport, a municipal field located in Oklahoma City. KOCO’s news helicopter captured footage of the aircraft making several low passes over the runway before finally touching down.
According to FlightAware.com, the flight was en route to Texas when the crew identified the tow bar issue. The pilot reported the problem to air traffic control and was granted priority landing clearance. The aircraft touched down safely, and no injuries were reported among the crew or ground personnel.
Why the tow bar mattered
A tow bar is used to move aircraft on the ground without the need for a tug. If left attached to the nose wheel, it can interfere with the wheel’s rotation and steering, creating a serious safety hazard during takeoff and landing. In this case, the pilot’s quick decision to abort the flight prevented a potentially dangerous situation.
Airport officials inspected the plane after the landing and confirmed that the tow bar was removed without further incident. The aircraft was later towed to a maintenance hangar for a routine check before returning to service.
Safety reminder for pilots
This incident underscores the importance of thorough pre‑flight checks, especially when aircraft are moved on the ground by external equipment. Pilots are encouraged to verify that all ground‑handling devices are fully detached before departure. Aviation safety experts note that such oversights, while rare, can be mitigated through disciplined checklist procedures.
Wiley Post Airport officials praised the pilot’s professionalism and the smooth handling of the situation. The airport remains open for regular traffic, and no disruptions to scheduled flights were reported.
Community impact
Local residents who witnessed the low‑altitude fly‑by expressed relief that the aircraft landed safely. The incident serves as a reminder that even routine operations can present unexpected challenges, and that vigilant crews play a critical role in maintaining safety in the skies over Oklahoma City.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
