Devils Lake (trfnews.i234.me) – A SkyWest-operated flight from Denver landed safely late Sunday afternoon. An alert was called at the Devils Lake Airport as crews stood by.
The flight was identified as SkyWest flight 5053 in early reports. The aircraft landed just before 5 p.m. Reports indicated about 46 people were on board. No injuries were reported.
What happened
The Devils Lake Fire Department confirmed an alert at the airport. The department said crews were asked to stand by. Officials said the landing went smoothly.
Details were limited soon after the plane arrived. A person monitoring radio traffic said the crew reported a possible loss of cabin pressure. That detail was not confirmed in an official statement.
Flight tracking
A FlightAware track showed a rapid descent well before the jet reached Devils Lake. The aircraft was reported near 30,000 feet before the drop. It later continued to North Dakota at a lower altitude.
Devils Lake’s scheduled service to Denver is marketed by United. It is operated by SkyWest, according to the Devils Lake Regional Airport. SkyWest describes itself as a regional airline partner for major carriers.
Why crews may descend
Cabin pressure warnings can require quick action. Crews may descend to levels where breathing is easier. That step can also reduce risk if a system fails.
Investigators often review data after any in-flight alert. Airlines can also inspect the aircraft after landing. Those checks can happen even when no one is hurt.
Response on the ground
Airport staff and local responders staged equipment as a precaution. The goal was to be ready for medical care or fire support. Those steps were not needed once the jet was on the ground.
Officials said passengers were able to continue without injury. The alert ended after the aircraft reached the airport safely.
More airport information is available at devilslakeairport.com. Airline information is posted at skywest.com.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.