A landing gear fault forced an Air New Zealand flight to turn back to Christchurch. Photo: AirbusA flight from Christchurch to Auckland had to turn around shortly after take off because the aircraft's landing gear failed to retract. Air New Zealand flight NZ538 from Christchurch to Auckland departed at 12.45pm on Saturday but returned to Christchurch Airport and landed safely at about 1pm. "While safety was not compromised at any stage, flying with the landing gear down increases drag so the decision was made to return to Christchurch," she said. "The aircraft landed without incident and customers have been moved to another aircraft.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 06, 2019 21:22 UTC