Cockpit light blamed in emergency

The EUjet plane landed safely after the emergency procedure

A cockpit indicator light is being blamed for an emergency in which an aircraft spent an hour circling above Kent before landing safely at Manston.

The EUJet was on its way from Gatwick Airport when it reported problems with its landing gear. It was later confirmed the wheels were down safely.

Kent Police closed the A253 south of the airport, traffic was diverted and 13 fire crews were called on Sunday.

Thanet fire station said the response was part of a well-practised routine.

"In these situations we get called so that we're there in case the incident escalates," said watch manager Andy McPherson.

"The people in the control tower and the crash fire teams study the aircraft as it goes past to see if they can give any extra information to the pilot."

There were seven crew and no passengers on board the Fokker 100.