Morrisville, N.C. — A crack in the cockpit windshield of an American Airlines jet forced the Raleigh-bound plane to return to London on Friday, an airline spokesman said.

Flight 173 was about 2 hours away from London when the crack developed, said American spokesman Tim Smith. The Boeing 777-200, with 125 passengers on board, turned around.

The plane was met by emergency crews, according to a passenger who e-mailed WRAL.com.

All 125 passengers have been rebooked on a Saturday flight that is due in Raleigh about 4:30 p.m., Smith said.