American Airlines flight to Aspen declares emergency on approach, lands safely
An American Airlines flight from Chicago to Aspen declared an emergency Wednesday morning just before landing because of electrical fumes in the cabin, according to airport officials.
The Aspen tower declared the emergency at 11:13 a.m. while the CRJ-700 aircraft operated by SkyWest was about 17 miles from Aspen. The flight, with 53 passengers and crew, landed safety at 11:24 a.m. and was met by personnel from the Airport Operations, fire and mutual aid, a news release stated.
“Airport Fire investigated the incident and released the aircraft back to the (airline),” according to the release.
Fire investigators found no evidence of a fire, said Rich Englehart, the airport’s interim director.
Carolyn Bonynge, director of operations, safety and the airport’s fire department, said her crew did not smell fumes when they boarded the aircraft.
The flight was a regularly scheduled arrival from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport to Aspen, Englehart said. No injuries were reported.
Hanukkah has arrived in Aspen
Members of the valley’s Jewish community gathered at the Albright Pavilion at Aspen Meadows Thursday for their second annual menorah lighting ceremony to celebrate and acknowledge the first day of Hanukkah.
