Runway reopens after PDX mishap

The north runway at Portland International Airport is reopening after a mishap involving an Oregon Air National Guard F-15 fighter jet.

Steve Johnson, spokesman for the Port of Portland, said runway 10L/28R was due to reopen about 5 p.m. The runway’s closure has caused persistent flight delays this afternoon. Johnson said the port is estimating six flights had to be diverted and nine were delayed.

The south runway at PDX was available, but part of it remains under repair after another F-15 accident. In that case, a blown tire caused the landing gear to scrape and damage the runway’s surface.

The third runway at PDX, runway 3/21, is thousands of feet shorter than the others and cannot accommodate large planes.

The incident began at 2:54 p.m. when the fighter jet blew two of its tires upon landing. The jet stopped on the runway, which had to be closed while the incident was documented, the jet was towed to the air guard base on the airport’s south side, and the runway was inspected and cleared to reopen.

There were no injuries reported.

Johnson suggests people with a flight today, or who are meeting a flight, should check the airport’s website, www.flypdx.com, to get the latest status.