WILLEMSTAD - Laser flight 736 from Curaçao to Caracas made an emergency landing at Hato shortly after 2:00 PM on Sunday, reportedly due to engine trouble. 

The aircraft, an aging MD-82, departed at 1:41 PM but encountered problems shortly after takeoff. A plane spotter reported seeing smoke coming from one of the engines. The aircraft issued a squawk-7700 signal, indicating a general emergency. 

In aviation, a squawk 7700 is a transponder code used to alert air traffic control to an in-flight emergency. It is recognized immediately as a critical situation requiring priority handling. 

The plane landed safely back at Hato 22 minutes after departure at 2:01 PM, landing with the wind rather than against it—a standard practice. The decision to land with the wind likely stemmed from time constraints, as the aircraft had turned around near Bonaire. Emergency services were on standby but were not required to intervene. 

Aviation authorities confirmed the incident, acknowledging the emergency landing, though further details are yet to be disclosed. According to airport officials, no injuries were reported. 

Laser Airlines’ representative at Hato has not yet been reached for comment.