A Republic Airways Embraer ERJ-170 departing for Detroit, MI made a precautionary return to Newark, NJ after reporting smoke on board on 4 December 2024.
United flight UA3439, operated by a Republic Airways Embraer ERJ-170, had conducted a departure from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The aircraft was performing a scheduled service bound for Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).
Republic Airways UA3439 Newark-Detroit
During the subsequent climb after takeoff, flight crew reported the presence of smoke on board the aircraft. As a result, they elected to conduct a precautionary return to Newark Liberty International Airport.
A direct return was initiated and the aircraft landed safely on runway 22L, just over 30 minutes after its initial departure.
Following the landing, the aircraft was evacuated via emergency escape slides. A subsequent Federal aviation administration (FAA) report confirmed the in-flight incident. “Republic Airways Flight 3439 safely returned to Newark Liberty International Airport around 5 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Dec. 4, after the crew reported smoke on board. The Embraer E170 had departed for Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.”
Flight Details
Flight data shows that flight UA3439 had departed from Newark at 1635 local time on 4 December. Following departure, the aircraft climbed to flight level FL190 before flight crew terminated the climb procedure.
A direct track was then made to return to the origin airport. The aircraft conducting the UA3439 rotation to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport was an Embraer ERJ-170, registered N642RW. This is a 20 year old regional aircraft belonging to the carrier United Express, operated by Republic Airlines.
It has been in operational service with United Express since its initial delivery from the factory in January 2005.
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