Cargo plane delayed en route to Peru quake victims

ACAPULCO, Mexico — An LDS Church-sponsored cargo plane loaded with food and emergency supplies for earthquake victims in Peru was delayed Tuesday after the aircraft apparently experienced problems with its hydraulic system.

The 747 jet — which is operated by Kalitta Air — left Salt Lake City early Tuesday morning bound for Pisco, Peru.

After making a scheduled refueling stop in Acapulco, the plane departed for Pisco.

A short time later, pilots opted to turn the plane around and return to Acapulco because of the apparent problem in the hydraulic system. During the return, the plane dropped much of its fuel in preparation for the landing.

Several emergency vehicles waited near the runway, but the plane landed without incident.

Sean Pryce, director of operations control for Kalitta Air, based in Ypsilanti, Mich., confirmed Tuesday that its plane was being used by the LDS Church for the operation.

Pryce declined to provide more information about the plane or any problems it may have had.

Officials of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said Tuesday that repairs were expected to be made on the cargo plane in time for take-off from Acapulco early today. The aircraft was expected to reach Peru sometime this morning.