The Nation - News from Sept. 3, 1989

Federal officials seized a small Lebanese jet that landed without permission in Harrisburg, Pa., and questioned three passengers who they feared could be terrorists. An investigation showed they were not terrorists but aliens who failed to check in with immigration officials, said Henry Brattlie, deputy director of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service office in Philadelphia. He said the jet, with two pilots and at least six others on board, left London and landed at Harrisburg International Airport last Sunday after disregarding orders to travel to Philadelphia for an immigration inspection. Brattlie said the $13-million jet was seized and three passengers detained after the jet returned to Harrisburg from Burbank, Calif. A U.S. attorney said the three detainees were released while officials decide whether to press charges.