Prop plane makes crash landing at San Antonio International Airport

A small propeller plane makes an emergency belly landing Tuesday July 1, 2014 at the San Antonio International Airport. The passengers and pilot appeared to be safe. A small propeller plane makes an emergency belly landing Tuesday July 1, 2014 at the San Antonio International Airport. The passengers and pilot appeared to be safe. Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close Prop plane makes crash landing at San Antonio International Airport 1 / 18 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO -- A small propeller plane made an emergency landing around 3 p.m. Tuesday at San Antonio International Airport after problems with landing gear surfaced.

The plane landed cleanly and quietly just before 3 p.m., on its belly, to applause from those on the ground after circling the airport for about two hours, trying to drop its fuel.

At least 11 emergency response crews converged on the airport, as well as several television stations, and the plane's landing was shown live on all TV stations in the Alamo City.

At least four people were reported on the plane,

Spectators had gathered along the runway voicing hopes for the best. "Come on, birdie," one muttered as the plane approached for its final try.

Gary Younger, 65, a former operations manager for a now-defunct airline, said he was pleased.

"I didn't want to see it crash," Younger said. "I've done that before."

The problems began just after 12:30 p.m. Units were dispatched to the 1700 block of Skyplace Boulevard.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration's registry, the plane is a 1974 Beech A36 Bonanza 36, is registered to Angel Brothers Aviation Ltd. in Baytown, Texas, just outside of Houston.

Angel Brothers did not have a statement available when reached for comment.

Staff writer Joe Cook contributed to this report

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