Boeing 737 makes emergency landing in Tennessee following a 'potential mechanical issue'

A Boeing 737-800 made an emergency landing in Tennessee on Sunday morning.

Delta Air Lines flight 1417 landed safely at McGhee Tyson Airport at 9:17 a.m. after the crew reported a nose gear issue, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The flight had departed from Tri-Cities Airport in Tennessee and was on its way to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport when crew members declared an emergency.

“Delta apologizes to customers on flight 1417 from Tri-Cities to Atlanta that diverted to Knoxville out of an abundance of caution following a potential mechanical issue," Delta said in a statement to USA TODAY.

"The aircraft landed and taxied to the gate normally and is being inspected by maintenance technicians."

Want news from USA TODAY on WhatsApp? Click this link on your mobile device to get started

The 129 customers on board the flight were being reaccommodated on another aircraft to more quickly depart to Atlanta, the spokesman added.

The FAA will investigate further.

The aircraft that landed in Knoxville is not the same model as the beleaguered Boeing 737 MAX. Those planes were grounded after two deadly crashes. Delta does not use the 737 MAX.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Boeing 737 makes emergency landing in Tennessee following a 'potential mechanical issue'