COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Allegiant Air flight that took off from Columbus' Rickenbacker International Airport on Thursday for Florida made an emergency landing in North Carolina on Thursday.
A spokesperson for Allegiant tells 10TV that about 30 minutes after flight 2038 took off, an indicator light came on in the airplane's cockpit.
The company says out of "abundance of caution," the plane, originally bound for Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, landed at the Asheville Regional Airport to be inspected and an emergency was declared.
Allegiant Airlines says this is standard procedure and ensures that a flight receives priority landing.
Officials say there were 151 passengers and six crew members on board, who all deplaned normally once the plane taxied to a gate.
A replacement airplane was sent to continue the flight.
Passengers aboard the plane received meal vouchers and vouchers for $50 off future travel.
In April of 2018, a "60 Minutes" investigation into the airline found that between Jan. 1, 2016 and the end of October 2017, more than 100 serious mechanical incidents, including mid-air engine failures, smoke and fumes in the cabin, rapid descents, flight control malfunctions, hydraulic leaks and aborted takeoffs.
Allegiant posted a statement after the "60 Minutes" broadcast that said "incidents referenced are years old, and took place before our most recent, comprehensive FAA audit. The story breaks no news."
Months later, the airline flew the last of its aging planes, CBS News reported.
