LAX Flights Diverted after ATC Malfunction

A system that gauges visibility on runways at Los Angeles International Airport during heavy fog failed early Wednesday, forcing air traffic controllers to divert about six flights to other airports.

A broken heating coil in a light sensor caused the equipment, which was tested three days ago, to malfunction, said Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration, which manages the nation's air traffic control network.

The system went down about 4 a.m. and was back online by 7:45 a.m., he said.

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