On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, a United Airlines Express flight made an emergency landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston due to smoke in the cockpit and electrical issues.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the incident involving United Airlines Express flight 4969. The flight crew reported smoke in the cockpit, prompting an immediate return to the airport. Communication from pilots as reported by CNN and LiveATC.net indicated “electrical issues” and “losing electrical” power during their landing preparation.
Upon landing, the plane stopped on a taxiway and was towed to the terminal. CommuteAir, operating the flight, cited a potential maintenance issue as the cause. Jason Kadah, CommuteAir’s Managing Director of Communications, apologized for the inconvenience and announced that a replacement aircraft would take passengers to Panama City, Florida. The incident was managed smoothly, with all passengers safely returned to the gate, currently awaiting their next flight.
The FAA’s investigation aims to determine the cause of the smoke and electrical failures, ensuring no injuries were incurred among passengers or crew. Continuous efforts by the airline and FAA focus on passenger safety and resolving mechanical issues. George Bush Intercontinental Airport reported no disruptions following this incident, emphasizing the effective collaboration among authorities and emergency teams.
