DULUTH, Minn. >> An airplane headed from Duluth to Las Vegas had to turn around and make an emergency landing after running into engine trouble.

The Allegiant Air plane landed safely just before 9 p.m. Friday at Duluth International Airport, said Brian Ryks, executive director of the Duluth Airport Authority. National Guard firefighters and other emergency responders were standing by.

One engine failed about 50 miles into the trip and the crew shut it down, declared an emergency and headed back to the airport, according to the Duluth News Tribune (http://bit.ly/M3bYRt).

There were no reported injuries. The plane had about 140 passengers and five crew members.

Passengers described hearing a noise about 15 minutes into the flight.

“It was a really loud bang,” said Lisa Clements of Chisholm, who was sitting near the engine with her 8- and 9-year-old daughters. “We just told them it was OK.”

Passengers said flight attendants told them to stand by.

“There was silence for a while,” Bob Hollenhorst said. “Then the pilot came on and said there was a problem with the engine.”

The pilot earned kudos from the passengers.

“He did a good job of bringing it in,” said Eric Wood of Thunder Bay, who was headed to Las Vegas for a bachelor party.

At least one passenger decided to make alternative travel plans.

“These feet are never leaving the ground again,” said Tim Wagner of Fish Lake. “I’ll drive there myself.”