A chartered Gulfstream IV bound for London Luton Airport made an emergency landing yesterday at New York's Stewart International Airport (SWF), approximately five hours after its two left main gear tires burst on takeoff from Teterboro Airport (TEB). The 1993 GIV, registered as N101CV and carrying 16 passengers and crew, departed from Runway 19 at TEB at 10:50 a.m. EDT. The fully fueled Gulfstream initially circled over western New Jersey as news crews and emergency personnel gathered on the field in anticipation of the stricken jet's return.

However, the aircraft then turned east to continue burning off fuel. News reports indicated the crew planned to divert to Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport (BAF) in Massachusetts, which features a 9,000-foot runway and is also home to a Gulfstream service center.

After holding over the Bridgeport, Connecticut area, the flight crew diverted again to SWF and its 11,817-foot main runway. Tower personnel verified the jet's compromised tires appeared to be in place before the aircraft landed at 3:50 p.m. EDT on Runway 9. The crew kept the gear extended during the entire flight.

Fortunately, the deflated tires remained on their wheels during landing and the Gulfstream was able to depart the runway under its own power. Ground crews inspected the field for debris before reopening the runway approximately 45 minutes later.

Authorities haven’t said what caused the tire problem. The ordeal attracted national media attention due in part to one of the jet’s passengers, rapper Post Malone. "There's one hell of a team on that aircraft," Malone told TMZ after deplaning. "Now I need a beer."