Maputo — A plane of Mozambique Airlines (LAM) was obliged on Sunday to make an emergency landing at Beira airport, but the incident harmed none of the passengers or crew and caused no damage to the aircraft.

The aircraft, a Bombardier Q400, set off from the central city of Chimoio at 16.00 (three hours later than scheduled) on a flight to Maputo, but shortly after takeoff the crew noted that the undercarriage was still open.

Since this is a potential security risk, the pilot diverted to Beira, some 25 minutes flying time from Chimoio.

The plane had to circle above Beira to burn off excess fuel – it was carrying enough for the one and a half hour journey from Chimoio to Maputo.

According to passengers on the plane, the pilot assured them that “there is no security problem”.

After the aircraft landed at Beira, a technical team inspected it, and carried out various tests. But the passengers were unable to continue their journey on the Bombardier, which eventually took off with just the crew on board.

Some time later, the passengers were told they would be able to take a plane to Maputo at about 21.40. In the event this flight left Beira at 22.20.