Vikings Flight Returns to MSP Due to Mechanical Issues, Delaying Giants Arrival

The Minnesota Vikings' charter flight to New Jersey for Sunday's game against the New York Giants encountered mechanical problems shortly after takeoff Saturday afternoon, forcing the plane to return to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and delaying the team's arrival.

The aircraft departed from the Twin Cities airport early in the afternoon but turned back over Wisconsin due to the unspecified issue, according to a team spokesperson. Flight tracking data indicated the plane altered course just south of Madison before landing safely at 4:04 p.m. ET. One report suggested the landing gear hatch failed to close after takeoff, though the team did not confirm the exact nature of the malfunction.

In a statement, the Vikings said: "Shortly after departing, the team plane experienced mechanical issues that required a return to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The team will board a second plane momentarily and is now expected to arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport later tonight." As of late Saturday evening, the replacement flight was scheduled to depart around 6:52 p.m. CT, pushing the estimated arrival time to about 9:50 p.m. ET, more than three hours...