Flight returns after 'popping' noise

ATLANTA, July 27 (UPI) -- A loud popping noise forced a Delta Airlines flight to return to Atlanta shortly after takeoff Sunday, a company official said.

The flight left shortly after midnight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and was bound for Lima, Peru, CNN reported. Flight personnel heard the popping sound just south of Fort Myers, Fla., and decided to turn the plane around, Delta spokesman Kent Landers said.

The plane landed safely at 2:45 a.m. and officials were investigating the incident.