PDX: North runway closed to tow disabled plane

PORTLAND, Ore. – Two people escape unhurt after their small plane skidded off the runway at Portland International Airport Tuesday.

The private prop aircraft was taking off around noon and experienced a gear malfunction. The plane skidded into a grassy area just off the runway. (An earlier report from the airport spokesperson was that the plane was landing.)

The accident closed the airport's north runway while the plane was towed away. The airport spokesperson, Steve Johnson, tells KATU that – even with the north runway closure – air traffic will not be impacted at PDX. The south runway reportedly took all air traffic during this incident.

The two people inside the plane, a pilot and passenger, were not injured when it rolled off the runway and onto the grass median.

It is unknown at this time where the plane came from or if the pilot knew the Beech-brand aircraft had a gear problem before landing.