United Airlines Flight Returns to Newark After Smoke Reported in Cabin

Passengers on a United Express flight bound for Detroit experienced tense moments on December 4 when their plane had to return to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) due to reports of smoke in the cabin. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the airline worked to rebook passengers on a new flight.

Emergency Landing at Newark

The incident occurred on flight UA 3439, a scheduled service between Newark and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) operated by United Express through Republic Airways. Shortly after takeoff, the crew detected a burning smell and decided to return to Newark as a precaution.

The flight, operated by an Embraer E170 aircraft, prompted Newark Airport to declare a full emergency. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily halted all flight operations at the airport to prioritize the emergency landing.

The Port Authority later released a statement:
“Passengers have deplaned and were transported to Terminal C. The FAA temporarily held flight operations during that time. At 5:55 p.m., the airspace reopened with flight activity resuming. United will provide further details.”

Newark Airport also used social media to alert passengers about potential delays and encouraged them to check with their airlines for updates.

Details About the Flight and Aircraft

• Flight Details:
  Flight UA 3439 departed Newark at 4:35 p.m. but quickly returned due to the smoke issue.
• Aircraft:
  The plane involved was a nearly 20-year-old Embraer E170, configured to seat 70 passengers across three classes—48 in economy, 16 in economy plus, and six in business. As of March 2019, the aircraft had logged over 40,000 flight hours and nearly 25,000 flight cycles, numbers that have significantly increased in the past five years.

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are the primary carriers operating between Newark and Detroit, making this route a busy corridor for travelers.

Smoke-Related Incidents in Aviation

Smoke inside an aircraft is a critical emergency, as it can escalate rapidly once airborne. Airlines have strict protocols to handle such situations, and the FAA frequently issues safety alerts to address risks, especially during busy seasons.

• Cargo and Electronics:
  In October, the FAA issued a safety alert regarding the transportation of electronics with batteries, particularly during the holiday season, emphasizing proper packaging to minimize fire risks.
• Recent Incidents:
  • In September, a JetBlue Airbus A321 flying from New York to San Diego diverted to Kansas due to a cargo smoke alarm.
  • In August, another JetBlue flight from Los Angeles to Boston faced an onboard emergency when a malfunctioning cell phone stuck in a first-class seat caused smoke to fill the cabin. The crew used a fire extinguisher to contain the situation and safely stored the device in the lavatory.

Passenger Safety and Airline Protocols

Incidents involving smoke highlight the importance of stringent safety measures and quick responses by cabin crew. Airlines are well-prepared to handle emergencies, ensuring passenger safety remains the top priority.

While the incident on flight UA 3439 caused a temporary disruption, United Airlines and the authorities acted swiftly to resolve the situation and assist affected passengers, ensuring they could continue their journeys safely.