SkyWest Captain Incapacitated on Final, First Officer Lands Safely

SkyWest Flight 3795, operated for United Airlines, was forced to make an emergency landing at Chicago Midway Airport on Feb. 17, 2026, after the captain became incapacitated during final approach. The first officer declared an emergency to air traffic control and successfully landed the aircraft on Runway 22L.

According to aviation analyst Captain Steeeve, who reviewed the incident, the captain's condition deteriorated while the flight was on short final approach. The first officer immediately assumed control of the aircraft, following standard crew resource management procedures, and completed the landing without incident. Medical personnel were standing by at the gate, and no passengers or crew members were injured.

The incident underscores the critical importance of two-pilot operations and comprehensive emergency training in commercial aviation. While SkyWest, United Airlines and federal regulators have not released official statements, aviation experts note that pilot incapacitation scenarios are regularly practiced during training and Federal Aviation Administration checkrides. The event has been classified as an incident with no fatalities or serious injuries reported.