Plane Carrying Press Covering Pope’s Tour Delayed by Two Aborted Takeoffs
Two aborted takeoffs due to mechanical problems caused a nearly two-hour delay Sunday for reporters and photographers aboard Shepherd III, one of three TWA jets assigned to the Pope’s tour of the United Sates, a spokesman for the carrier said.
The L-1011 was about to take off from New Orleans international Airport shortly after 8 a.m. when an engine oil pressure waiting light in the plane’s cockpit lit up, said Bob Blattner a TWA spokesman
After the Pope’s plane a 727 known as shepherd 8 took off, shepherd III tried again only to abort a second time.
TWA mechanics replaced the oil filters while member of the press received their breakfast meal early on board. The engines were tested and aircraft left for San Antonio.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
