Falcons tight end Tweets about Delta's emergency landing

By Kristi E. Swartz

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Delta Air Lines' emergency landing at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Thursday was a precaution, a spokesman said.

But at least one passenger was happy that the crew took those safety measures.

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez was on that 4 p.m. flight bound for Los Angeles when it made en emergency landing moments after taking off.

When the captain saw an indicator light suggesting a possible problem with one of the engines, he turned the plane around so it could land at Hartsfield, Delta spokesman Anthony Black said.

Hours later -- at 1:15 a.m. -- Gonzalez was on Twitter talking about it.

"Long day but SO glad to be home!! We took off and the right engine went out. Had to make an emergency landing. It's a good day to be alive!!"

He gave props to the Delta crew later.

"Great job to the four pilots that landed the plane. You guys kept everyone calm," Gonzalez posted at 2:51 a.m.

None of the 256 passengers or eight Delta crew members were injured, Black said.

The B-767 airplane is now being inspected, Black said. Passengers were moved to another flight, he said.

D. Orlando Ledbetter contributed to this story.