Nobody was injured when a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing Sunday at Southern Illinois Airport. The pilot and passenger walked away.

The Cessna 172/RG owned by Southern Illinois University Carbondale took off about 10:30 a.m. on what is termed an administrative flight "to check the plane's operational systems," SIUC spokesman Rod Sievers said. It was piloted by a part-time flight instructor; a student also was on board.

When the landing gear malfunctioned on one side, the pilot circled for more than an hour to burn up fuel, then made a power-off landing in a grassy area adjacent to a landing strip, Sievers said. He declined to release the name of the pilot and passenger.

Sievers, who lives in Carterville, said he was called to the scene but missed witnessing the landing "by about two minutes." A number of SIUC officials, including Interim Chancellor Samuel Goldman, were among the 50 or so people waiting at the airport.

One witness estimated the plane slid about 30 yards on its belly before stopping.

The Carbondale Fire Department sent a truck to the airport to stand by until the plane was down, Assistant Chief Ted Lomax said. The airport's own fire truck also was there, with other emergency vehicles.

"The response was terrific," Sievers said.

Noting SIUC's outstanding reputation for pilot training, Sievers said, "It's obvious their training paid off."

Goldman, too, was happy the incident ended without injuries.

"The pilot was incredible," he said. "He did all the right things."

Goldman said he also was grateful for the response of emergency crews who were called. "The response was immediate," he said.

The university will do an investigation, Sievers said, and the Federal Aviation Administration also may visit to check into the incident.

linda.rush@thesouthern.com / 351-5079