SkyWest flight from Chicago drops nearly 30,000 feet in three minutes, forced to make emergency landing

Sources say the problem was caused by cabin door, airline denies this

A SkyWest flight from Chicago to Connecticut had to make an emergency landing in Buffalo, New York after the plane plummeted 28,000 feet in three minutes under dubious circumstances, NBC Connecticut reported.

Sources initially said there was a problem with the plane’s cabin door, which led to de-pressurisation in the cabin and caused the plane to fall. The airline has staunchly denied this claim.

“SkyWest Flight 5622, operating as United Express from Chicago to Hartford, diverted to Buffalo, NY after a passenger lost consciousness. The flight landed safely in Buffalo, where the passenger received medical attention before being released. We are working to accommodate the 75 passengers to Hartford,” the airline said in a statement.

As many as three passengers were reported to have lost consciousness, but the airline claims it was only one passenger. SkyWest said the other 75 passengers will be accommodated and should be sent on to Hartford – the intended destination – later on Wednesday.

The airline did not say what caused the plane's steep descent.