SkyWest Crew Declares Mayday at O'Hare After Trim Runaway

A SkyWest Airlines flight operating as United Express faced a critical flight control emergency shortly after departing Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Dec. 8, 2025. The crew of Flight UA5344, bound for Saginaw MBS, declared a mayday after reporting a stabilizer trim runaway and difficulty with roll control, according to air traffic control audio.

Following the emergency declaration, the flight crew initiated an immediate return to O'Hare. The aircraft involved was a Bombardier CRJ-200, registration N963SW. Reports indicate the aircraft remained on the runway for approximately five minutes after touchdown to conduct necessary checklists and troubleshooting before taxiing to the terminal. All passengers and crew landed safely.

While social media reports suggest the crew intentionally avoided routing over Lake Michigan to remain close to the airport, official confirmation of the flight path has not been released. Neither the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board nor SkyWest Airlines have issued formal statements regarding the cause of the trim runaway.