Obama plane's unscheduled landing

Posted: Monday, July 07, 2008 11:10 AM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ's Athena Jones

Obama's plane was forced to "make an unscheduled landing" in St. Louis, Mo., due to a technical problem. The plane had been headed to Charlotte, N.C.

The pilot said on takeoff they noticed there was a small problem with the controllabilty of the pitch of the plane, something he referred to as the "nose up and nose down" mode. He said the problem appeared to have been corrected as the plane descended and assured us there was no need to assume brace positions.

VIDEO: Sen. Barack Obama's plane makes an unscheduled landing in St. Louis due to mechanical problems. NBC's Lee Cowan reports.

A technician will look at the plane on landing.

It's unclear whether Charlotte event is still on.

There are three fire trucks coming up the road on the left side of the plane -- on a road about 50 yards away. I understand this may be standard.

Obama will be deboarding. We've been told we're holding on the plane. It's unclear whether we'll be allowed to get off to film the plane.

We're trying to get more from the pilot who we're told is "obviously" very "busy."

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Comments

There is a problem with Obama's yaw too. He keeps swinging uncontrollably from left to right.

Pilot Paul (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:17 AM)

So glad everyone on the plane is safe, although I am sure it must have been quite scary for a bit. Thanks for keeping us informed - just another reminder that life is what happens when you're making other plans I guess . . .

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:18 AM)

Thanks MSNBC! Glad everyone is okay, but honestly, this can definitely make it on News You Can’t Use!

Michelle Zee (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:19 AM)

Something may have been done to the plane by someone who doesn't like Obama, or doesn't want him speaking today. Sounds paranoid, but you know the Secret Service is guarding the first African-American presidential candidate with more than usual security, and they're going to be suspicious of everything. Maybe we should be, too.

Class Warior, D.C. (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:20 AM)

Oh no, the GOP has really gotten desperate.Obama be careful.

Woman4Obama (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:22 AM)

Perhaps it's an unscheduled stop to ask Clare McAskill to be Veep?

;) Glad all are okay.

Midwest Mom, Illiana (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:23 AM)

Maintenance is an issue in this campaign again...

BJ, CA (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:24 AM)

Scary - I was on an airplane in 1983 over Kansas when the engine caught on fire. There was a big bang. I remember how terrific the pilots were to the passengers as far as calming everyone down. We just turned around and landed in Denver safely in no time at all.

Needless to say, I "need a few" before I board an aircraft. Even if it's 6:30 in the morning. It helps.

But this experience has never prevented me from flying.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:24 AM)

>> Fire trucks coming up the road on the left side of the airplane <<

Does Obama require everyone to approach him from the Left?

Howie Liechtenstein (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:25 AM)

My immedieate reaction is one of suspicion. When it comes to Obama, and the possibility of accidents, I can't help myself.

donna (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:28 AM)

Wow, this is one fascinating news item.

Rev. Wright (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:33 AM)

Let the conspiracy theories begin. Barack has a mission. His destiny is to take back the White House and change the ugly face of America.

That mission is immutable and nothing can change that.
=======================================================
to BarACK and FORTH (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 10:39 AM)
Good. Expose BO for what he is. No more passes. This man must have a backache from all the flips he's doing.
***********************************************
The person should really get to know better is the old, cudgeller, Duel Personality, McCain. We know he flip-flops. But what we don’t know is …does he really forget/lie … or forgets because he may be experiencing early Alzheimer’s disease. And that is a problem!
It would be political suicide if Obama limited himself to campaign finance and not a 50 state approach. Swift boaters, smears, and the fear factor are/will be the only talking points.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:36 AM)

My immedieate reaction is one of suspicion. When it comes to Obama, and the possibility of accidents, I can't help myself.

donna (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:28 AM)

Not a surprise. Most Obama supporters I know are some of the most paranoid people I've ever seen.

Justice For All (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:41 AM)

Did Obama make the landing at Lambeau Field?

JF Kerry, Boston (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:49 AM)

dude thats totally scary
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/hillary-supporters-back-obama/

camie (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 11:56 AM)

Oh no, go back Obama, go back, you forgot your FLAG PIN.

...Glad everyone is ok...

Rachel, PA (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 12:15 PM)

Oh, and even if he was in to see the good Senator her name is spelled McCaskill!

Mike, Springfield, MO (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 12:30 PM)

Shame on all of you who are making jokes about a potential disaster.

Vern, Laurel, MD (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 12:41 PM)

AWWWWWWWWWWW SHUCKS!!!!

gail (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 12:49 PM)

If it were Hillary's plane she would have landed the plane herself, under sniper fire.

CCC, VT (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 12:50 PM)

Remember Paul Wellstone..........

adam (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 12:52 PM)

I think Obama should have his own airplane, with his own pilots, own checked-out staff. This is no laughing matter, and not the first time. I don't care how paranoid folks say you might be, better to be paranoid than not here to be paranoid.

RuthieM (Sent Monday, July 07, 2008 2:39 PM)

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