Passenger jet safely makes emergency landing near St. Louis

[April 23, 2008]  MASCOUTAH (AP) -- A Republic Airways official says a passenger jet affiliated with the airline flying out of St. Louis has made an emergency landing at an airport about 20 miles east of the city due to engine failure.

Spokesman Warren Wilkinson says none of the 32 passengers or three crew members aboard the Chautauqua Airlines plane was injured.

He says the plane was headed to Milwaukee when it safely landed just before 9 a.m. at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, near Mascoutah.

Wilkinson says reports that the plane had been struck by lightning were untrue.

Chautauqua Airlines is affiliated with Indianapolis-based Republic.

[Associated Press; By KEN KUSMER]

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