Jan 8th 2026 : A Republic Airways Embraer ERJ-170 operating on behalf of United Airlines diverted to Charleston, South Carolina, after a go-around at Savannah and a subsequent report of smoke on the flight deck.
The aircraft, registration N647RW, was operating United flight UA-3496 from Chicago O’Hare, Illinois, to Savannah, Georgia, carrying 71 people on board. As the aircraft was on final approach to runway 10 at Savannah, the flight crew initiated a go-around after determining that visibility was below the required landing minima. Following the missed approach, the aircraft entered a holding pattern.
While holding, the crew declared “Mayday, Mayday”, reporting the presence of smoke on the flight deck. Given the developing situation, the crew elected to divert and initially set course for Jacksonville, Florida.
During the diversion, the crew requested weather and operational conditions at Charleston, South Carolina. After assessing the information, they decided Charleston was the more suitable alternate airport. The aircraft subsequently diverted there and landed safely on runway 15, approximately 45 minutes after the initial go-around at Savannah.
No injuries were reported.
United Airlines arranged for a replacement aircraft, an Embraer ERJ-170 registered N640RW, to reposition to Charleston. The substitute aircraft continued the journey to Savannah, arriving the following day with a delay of approximately 13 hours.
The occurrence aircraft, N647RW, remained on the ground in Charleston for about 17 hours before returning to service.
The incident highlights the layered decision-making involved in adverse weather and in-flight system anomalies, with the crew prioritizing safety through a missed approach, emergency declaration, and diversion to the most suitable airport.
