Crime & Safety
'Strong Odor' Causes United Flight To Return To Newark Airport: FAA
A United Airlines flight returned to Newark Airport on Monday morning after its crew reported the smell of smoke, authorities say.
Newark, NJ – A United Airlines flight returned to Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday morning after its crew smelled a “strong odor,” authorities say.
United Flight 1704 departed for Austin, Texas around 6 a.m., but after its crew detected the smell, a decision was made to return to Newark, FAA officials stated.
The Boeing 739 landed safely and an investigation is underway, authorities stated.
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Well this is a first. Midair on a @united flight to #SXSW plane gets turned back Newark due to a smell. Everyone is OK, pilot's a pro!
— i am edgito (@itsedgito) March 14, 2016
A Port Authority of NY/NJ spokesman told Patch that control tower staff received a report from the flight crew that there was the smell of smoke in the cockpit.
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On touchdown, emergency response crews met the plane and escorted it to Gate 98, where it was examined by United Airlines mechanics.
No actual smoke was seen in the cockpit, the spokesman added.
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