Date: December 30, 2024
Aircraft Involved:
• Aircraft Type: Canadair CRJ-200
• Registration: N947SW
• Operator: SkyWest Airlines on behalf of United Airlines
• Flight Number: UA-4644
• Route: Charleston, WV (USA) to Chicago O’Hare, IL (USA)
Incident Overview
SkyWest Airlines flight UA-4644, a Canadair CRJ-200 operating for United Airlines, encountered smoke in the cabin while cruising at FL300 approximately 30 nautical miles north of Dayton, OH. The crew donned oxygen masks and diverted to Dayton International Airport. The aircraft landed safely on runway 24R, and all passengers and crew disembarked without injuries.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• The aircraft was cruising at FL300 when the crew detected smoke in the cabin, prompting immediate safety protocols.
2. Emergency Declaration:
• The crew declared an emergency, donned oxygen masks, and initiated a descent toward Dayton, OH.
• Passengers were not on oxygen as the smoke was localized to the aft cabin and was subsiding.
3. Descent and Landing:
• The crew communicated with ATC, confirming the smoke was diminishing and that a fire was not suspected.
• The aircraft landed safely on Dayton’s runway 24R approximately 15 minutes after the emergency descent began.
4. Post-Landing Actions:
• Passengers and crew safely disembarked. The aircraft was inspected to identify the cause of the smoke.
Initial Findings and Hypotheses
1. Smoke Source:
• The smoke’s diminishing nature suggests an isolated electrical or mechanical fault, such as overheating in cabin systems or galley equipment.
2. Crew Response:
• The crew’s swift action in donning oxygen masks and coordinating with ATC prevented escalation and ensured safety.
3. Cabin Impact:
• The absence of passenger oxygen use and the localized smoke suggest no immediate threat to the cabin environment.
Analysis and Recommendations
1. Technical Inspection:
• Conduct a thorough examination of cabin and aft systems, focusing on electrical and HVAC components.
2. Event Review:
• Review the crew’s decision-making process to ensure compliance with safety protocols and best practices.
3. Passenger Communication:
• Improve communication to passengers during smoke incidents to minimize panic and provide reassurance.
4. Maintenance Policy Update:
• Implement preventive checks for components prone to overheating or failure in CRJ-200 aircraft.
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