Airliner Returns to Palm Beach After Strange Odor Detected

A commercial airliner carrying 175 passengers and seven crew members bound for Newark, N.J., was forced to turn around Tuesday after the pilot reported a strange smell coming from the ventilation system.

Continental Airlines flight 1855 took off from Palm Beach International Airport about 4:20 p.m. and turned back shortly thereafter, said airline spokeswoman Mary Clark.

After takeoff the pilot reported a strange odor in the cockpit and possible electrical problems, said FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen.

The plane returned to Palm Beach International about 5:05 p.m., she said.

The jet, a Boeing 757, landed safely and taxied to a Continental gate, where passengers and crew filed off the plane, said airport spokeswoman Lisa De La Rionda.

No injuries were reported.

Clark said the pilot decided to land as a precaution and was following Continental's normal operating procedure.

The flight was delayed Tuesday night while mechanics checked the jet for problems.

Records show the plane has been registered with the FAA since December 1994.

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