Mechanical problems delay first lady's plane Published October 27, 2012 Oct. 26, 2012: First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at a campaign rally in Las Vegas.AP LAS VEGAS - First lady Michelle Obama is returning to Washington after her plane was delayed in Nevada Friday night because of mechanical problems. A McCarran International Airport spokesman says her aircraft was held up for three hours but departed about 9 p.m. Glenn Gardner says he doesn't know the nature of the mechanical issues that delayed her flight home. The first lady was in Las Vegas Friday campaigning.