A flight carrying U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy to Vermont has been diverted to Philadelphia because of mechanical problems.
Leahy tells The Associated Press the pilot reported the plane had hydraulic problems. He says it landed smoothly in Philadelphia and was met by emergency equipment.
The AP left a message for Philadelphia International Airport officials.
The trip started at Washington's Reagan National Airport. Leahy says he and the other passengers are being transferred to another airplane for the remainder of the trip to Burlington.
Leahy says the pilot is a native Vermonter who has flown him in the past.
Leahy is the Senate President Pro Tem and is third in line to the U.S. Presidency following Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner.
Wilson Ring contributed to this story from Montpelier, Vt.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
