A SkyWest Airlines Canadair CRJ-700 departing for Idaho Falls, ID made a return to Denver after suffering a bird strike during takeoff on 30 September 2024.
SkyWest Airlines flight UA5263, a Canadair CRJ-700 operating on behalf of United Airlines, had conducted a takeoff from runway 34L Denver International Airport (DEN).
United UA5263 Denver-Idaho Falls
During the initial climb after takeoff, the aircraft impacted a bird which resulted in damage to the windshield assembly. Following the event, flight crew terminated the climb procedure and initiated a direct return to Denver airport.
The aircraft landed without further incident on runway 34R, just under 30 minutes after its initial departure. The subsequent FAA report confirmed both the bird strike during departure and the subsequent damage to the aircraft windshield assembly.
Flight Details
Flight data shows that the flight UA5263 had departed Denver International Airport at 1948 local time on 30 September. The flight had climbed through 10,000 feet before flight crew terminated the climb at flight level FL110 (11,000 feet).
A direct return to the origin airport was then carried out. The flight did not declare an emergency and the subsequent risk return was conducted under normal operational procedures.
Aircraft conducting the UA5263 service to Idaho Falls regional airport (IDA) on behalf of United Airlines was a Canadair CRJ-700, registered N780SK. This is a 15.4-year-old regional jet belonging to the carrier United Express, and operated by SkyWest Airlines.
It has been in operational service with the airline since its initial delivery from the factory in June 2009.
SkyWest Airlines is a major regional airline headquartered in St. George, Utah. It’s known for its extensive network of routes, particularly connecting smaller cities to larger hubs.
Key points about SkyWest:
- Regional airline: It primarily operates flights for partner airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
- Large network: SkyWest serves over 250 destinations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Diverse fleet: The airline operates a mix of Embraer ERJ and Bombardier CRJ regional jets.
- Essential Air Service: SkyWest is involved in the Essential Air Service program, providing subsidized flights to smaller communities.
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