Military jets escort Delta flight back to Atlanta

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- A Delta jet returned to Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport under escort by military jets after a "transmission error" occurred shortly after takeoff Friday morning, a spokeswoman for the airline said.

The plane landed safely and no one was injured. Spokeswoman Peggy Estes said the error appeared to be an equipment problem dealing with the aircraft's transponder, and the jet was being repaired Friday afternoon.

Flight 1874, an MD-88, departed Atlanta for Reagan National Airport near downtown Washington about 7:44 a.m. It returned to Hartsfield at 8:11 a.m.

Estes said the plane was in "constant contact" with the tower as it made its return.

The plane had a crew of five and nine passengers. The passengers were booked on other flights.