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An Air New Zealand jet bound for Los Angeles with 365 people on board was forced to return to Auckland on Saturday night.
An Air NZ spokeswoman said the pilots returned after seeing a warning indication light illuminate on the flight deck.
Grant Cornwell was having barbecue when he saw the plane going over his house in Manukau.
"Something wasn't right, the front wheel was still down," Mr Cornwell said.
He said planes on their way to LA and San Fransisco often fly over his house, heading east.
"I thought that was a bit strange at that point in time," he said.
The plane, which took off at 7.30pm, returned to Auckland 90 minutes later.
Radio New Zealand said the plane crew had reported a hydraulic problem. It said the plane dumped fuel on the way back to Auckland.
David Duignan, who was on the flight, told Radio New Zealand that passengers applauded when the plane landed safely.
NZ HERALD STAFF & NZPA
