Navy plane dumps fuel, makes emergency landing in St. Augustine

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — A Navy plane blew a tire as it made an emergency landing in St. Augustine after mechanical issues Saturday.

The E2-D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft dumped fuel for approximately 20 minutes before making the emergency landing at the Northeast Florida Regional Airport.

Officials said the multimillion-dollar aircraft blew a tire as it landed. A witness said it sounded like the plane had lost an engine.

A pilot was testing the plane when it started having problems around 10 a.m., according to officials.

No one was injured, but the runway was slightly damaged.

It was closed for about an hour as crews worked to move the plane.

The plane weighs approximately 40,000 pounds according to the Navy website.

It was taken to the Northrup Grumman St. Augustine facility where it was built, according to officials.

The plane has state-of-the-art radar and provides advanced early warning of attacks.

Northrup Grumman confirmed the plane was being tested and provided a statement:

Yes, Northrop Grumman had test flights today, and the plane landed safely.

We are currently addressing the situation and managing an internal investigation."

Cox Media Group