In an emergency why do airplanes circle the tower to burn off fuel instead of continuing to it's original dest

Question

On the news the other day an airplane noticed trouble with it's landing gear after take off. The airplane then circled the tower for like 5 hours to burn off fuel before it attempted to land at the same airport it took off from. If it needed to burn fuel before it landed, why didn't it just continue to it's destination and then land, why circle a tower for hours?

Answer 1

The previous poster was correct.  This is especially critical in a landing gear issue, where there is a risk of spark on touchdown.  There is the possibility that dumped fuel can adhere to the plane (very small possibility) and ignite.  Also, it helps reduce the overall weight of the plane.

Answer 2

It's safer to stay near an airfield that is ready with emergency vehicle to take the landing straight away if it becomes too dangerous to continue burning off fuel.

If the plane continues to its destination, it could be far from a prepared airfield if the land-straight-away stage comes.  

Answer 3

its very unsafe to land with a full load of fuel on board so they circle to burn some off before landing while still staying close to the airport.  If the emrgency gets worse they would just dump the fuel and come in immediately.  

Answer 4

To wait for an empty gate and runway, since there off sched. other planes are landing and taking off.  

Answer 5

so it doesnt explode on impact...

Answer 6

There is a maximum recommended landing weight specified by the airplane manufacturer, which is usually lower then the allowable max gross weight for takeoff.  A pilot can still land the plane with weight levels above this recommended landing weight but the aircraft has to undergo an overweight landing inspection.

Aircraft have the ability to dump fuel over board to reduce the aircraft weight and can usually get down to the desired weight in about 5-10 minutes.  The fact that the plane circled for 5 hours tells me that there may have been other issues besides aircraft weight, e.g. could they land the plane safely with what ever problem they had.

Staying near the departure airport allows for an immediate landing if the situation turns into an emergency.