Military jet lands safely after losing engine

A KC-10 military jetliner with 20 people aboard made an emergency landing at Honolulu Airport just before noon Saturday after losing power in one of its three engines, state Department of Transportation spokesman Dan Meisenzahl said.

Six units from the Federal Fire Department responded to the report of a KC-10 with an engine fire about 11:08 a.m., said spokeswoman Fire Inspector Angela Sanders. The aircraft was able to land without incident about 11:48 a.m., Sanders said.

While the plane "is not naval," it was not immediately clear which branch of the military the jet belongs to, Sanders said.

Military aircraft websites describe the KC-10 "Extender" as the military version of the McDonnell Douglas DC-10. The KC-10 is used primarily by the U.S. Air Force for fuel and transport. Also unknown was the jet’s origin or destination, various websites said.

Honolulu Airport is next to Hickam Air Force Base and it is not unusual for military aircraft to land at Honolulu Airport, Meisenzahl said.

Honolulu Fire Department firefighters also responded to the emergency but were called off when it became apparent the jet landed safely, HFD spokesman Capt. Rick Karasaki said.

Half-staff flags honor fallen firefighters

U.S. and state flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today to honor fallen firefighters.

President Barack Obama ordered U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

The service coincides with the beginning of Fire Prevention Week.

Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz also ordered state flags flown at half-staff in observance of Fire Prevention Week.