A SkyWest flight from Charleston, West Virginia to Chicago experienced issues shortly after takeoff, including a weight distribution problem and a burning smell that prompted emergency landing procedures. The plane was forced to divert to Dayton, Ohio, where oxygen masks were dropped and passengers prayed before landing safely.
According to a passenger, the aircraft encountered problems with weight distribution, which led to delays in taking off. After an hour-long delay, the plane seemed to be running smoothly until passengers began to smell smoke. When asked if they had detected any unusual odors, one passenger replied that he also smelled burning, prompting further investigation.
The flight crew’s response was described as panicked, with one attendant frantically reacting to the situation. In response, oxygen masks were deployed, and passengers began praying for a safe landing. The plane eventually touched down safely in Dayton, but passengers were not allowed to continue their journey to Chicago on this aircraft.
SkyWest has released a statement saying that the flight was diverted due to a mechanical indication, which led to an emergency landing. However, the cause of the smoke remains unknown at this time. One passenger who experienced the incident has chosen not to fly again for now and is seeking therapy to cope with their ordeal.
Source: https://kcby.com/news/nation-world/flight-out-of-west-virginia-makes-emergency-landing-passengers-shaken-but-safe