Obama plane diverts after technical problem

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI (CNN) - Barack Obama's plane made an unscheduled landing in St. Louis Monday after the pilot reported technical problems. The plane landed safely.

Obama told reporters after landing it was the first time he had had to land because of mechanical problems.

"Just thought we'd spice things up a little bit today," he joked, adding: "Anytime a pilot says that something's not working the way its supposed to, then you know, you make sure you tighten your seat belt. Everything seemed under control, the pilots knew what they were doing."

En route from Chicago to a campaign appearance in Charlotte, North Carolina, the pilot detected a "control ability issue" in the "pitch" of the plane. He said there was no need to assume the "brace" position and that he had "full authority of the aircraft."

Fire trucks were waiting to meet the aircraft when it landed at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.