The Obama Midwest MD80 charter took off from Chicago’s Midway Airport this morning at 8:59 central through some rain and clouds, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, for an economic event. As the plane ascended, the plane seemed to push down at one point before bouncing up quickly - one of the traveling press gasped audibly - the rest chalked it up to turbulence.

About 20 to 30 minutes into the flight, an Obama adviser informed press we would be landing not in Charlotte as planned due to mechanical problems. Flight attendants who normally let press get away with unbuckled seat belts and keeping bags out asked us to clear the exit rows and buckle up.

The pilot calmly told the plane filled with staffers, Secret Service, press, and one presidential candidate that there were “controllability issues” with the plane’s pitch. The problem was with the nose of the plane, and the ability to move it up and down.

“We have full authority of the aircraft,” the pilot said, but said we would have to make an unscheduled stop in St. Louis for precaution. It was not classified as an emergency landing and the pilot assured us we would not have to assume the “brace position.”

The landing was as smooth as any landing and two green airport fire trucks greeted the plane at the end of its taxi. About an hour after landing, Obama was seen talking to pilots at the front of the plane and then came back to joke with his press corps. “Just thought we’d spice things up a little bit today,” he said with a laugh.

done

Soon after, Obama and his protective pool left the airport to hold in a nearby hotel. Those reporters not in the pool today are waiting on the plane, where pizza is on its way.

It’s unclear how long we’ll be waiting - the campaign just announced Obama’s North Carolina event will be postponed to a later date. “While en route to North Carolina, Senator Obama’s plane was diverted to St. Louis for a maintenance check.  The plane is remaining in St. Louis until the check is completed and as a result Senator Obama will not be able to hold his event today in Charlotte.  Senator Obama will return to the Tar Heel state again soon and looks forward to a continuing discussion with hard-working North Carolina families about his agenda to strengthen our economy and bring the change America needs,” a statement read.

The MD80 is a substitute airplane for Obama’s chartered 757, which is being outfitted for the general election.