2 Planes Issue Emergency Alerts At BWI Following Mechanical Issues

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Sky Eye Chopper 13 was over the scene as emergency vehicles surrounded a plane at Baltimore–Washington International Airport on Monday afternoon after an "Alert Two" was issued.

WJZ's Captain Jeff Long reports that the emergency response in connected to two separate incidents at the airport.

An "Alert Two" is issued to warn the ground that a incoming plane is having a problem.

A BWI spokesperson tells WJZ that a Southwest plane that took off from the airport had to turn around due a overheated left engine.

A Southwest spokesperson says Southwest flight 281 was heading to Boston when it had to return due to a cockpit indication light.

"The Captain did not declare an emergency, and the plane landed safely in Baltimore," said the spokesperson. "Out of an abundance of caution, local authorities met the aircraft upon landing. The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power."

One hundred and forty people were on board the plane at the time of the incident, none of them were injured. Southwest is working to accommodate them on a different aircraft.

The plane has been taken out of service for a maintenance review.

Moments before responding to the mechanical malfunction, another incoming plane issued an "Alert Two" for an unknown reason.

The emergency response and debris on the runway delayed approximately 11-12 planes from taking off Monday evening.

No further information is available at this time.