Delta flight from New Mexico makes emergency landing

By Marcus K. Garner

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Delta Air Lines flight en route to Atlanta from Albuquerque, N.M., had to make an emergency landing Friday afternoon because of technical difficulties, authorities said.

Delta spokesman Trebor Banstetter said Flight 1500 reported trouble with the landing gear shortly after taking off from Albuquerque International Sunport.

"A cockpit indicator light prompted a check of the landing gear shortly after takeoff," Banstetter said. "Out of an abundance of caution, the pilots returned to Albuquerque

The MD88 circled "to burn off fuel," according to the Federal Aviation Administration, then landed without incident at around 4:15 p.m. Atlanta time.

Delta placed the passengers on other flights to Atlanta.