Firefly Airlines plane turns back after landing gear fails to retract

[KUALA LUMPUR] A Malaysia Airlines plane's wheels refused to stow after take off yesterday, forcing a second flight by the flag-carrier to turn back in four days as it continues to reel from the loss of flight MH370.

The ATR 72 prop-plane, belonging to MAS subsidiary Firefly, departed Penang International Airport at 6.55am and turned back 15 minutes later because the aircraft's landing gear couldn't retract.

"As safety is of utmost priority to Firefly Airlines, the aircraft was required to turn back to Penang," Firefly said in a statement.