Plane at Newark airport returns to gate because of mechanical issue

A United Airlines flight returned to the gate prior to takeoff at Newark airport after an indicator alerted the pilots to a possible mechanical problem.

United Airlines Flight 2001, scheduled to depart to Chicago Friday morning, opted not to take off while on the runway and diverted to the taxiway.

The plane was accompanied by emergency vehicles as it returned to the gate to be checked by mechanics.

Passengers remained on the plane as mechanics determined whether the flight could depart or they would be switched to a different aircraft.