Engine fire blamed for emergency landing in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF, AZ - Federal aviation officials say an Allegiant Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Flagstaff on Sunday morning because of a fire in one of its two engines.

The flight was en route from Billings, Mont., to Phoenix when an indicator light showed a possible fire in the plane's No. 2 engine. The pilot reportedly radioed the Pulliam airport control tower reporting that the plane was experiencing an engine fire and electrical failure.

The plane diverted to Flagstaff and landed safety at about 10:30 a.m.

A firefighting team was able to secure the scene and stabilize the fire from spreading further as passengers exited the plane using emergency slides.

Flagstaff Fire Department spokesman Bill Morse said seven people were injured while exiting the plane. Three were reportedly transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment and evaluation.

Pulliam airport was closed for several hours while crews investigated the cause of the fire and the plane was removed from the runway. All passengers were bussed to Phoenix.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the incident.