Smell of smoke forces flight to return to RDU

RALEIGH-DURHAM INTERNATIONAL (WTVD) -- The smell of smoke in the cabin sent an Allegiant Airlines flight to Florida back to Raleigh Durham International Airport on Thursday.

Officials said Flight 815 had just taken off for St. Petersburg, Fla., when the pilots declared an emergency and returned to the airport.

The plane landed safely at about 4:10 p.m. and taxied back to the gate.

Allegiant Airlines officials said the plane had some kind of mechanical problem. A maintenance crew is inspecting the plane.

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