5 Shocking Details Behind The GoJet Flight 4423 Emergency Return To St. Louis

The inherent drama of an in-flight emergency was recently brought into sharp focus when a GoJet Airlines flight, operating as United Express, was forced to make a dramatic return to St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) shortly after takeoff. This incident, which unfolded on a morning in late 2025, specifically around the December 2025 timeframe, saw passengers endure a frightening experience involving reported smoke and a rapid evacuation on the runway.

The event involving GoJet Flight 4423 has since become a major point of discussion, prompting an immediate investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and raising important questions about regional jet safety protocols. This deep dive uncovers the critical details, passenger accounts, and the procedural aftermath of the harrowing return to St. Louis.

GoJet Flight 4423: Incident Profile and Timeline

The emergency return of Flight 4423 was a textbook example of a crew prioritizing passenger safety under duress. The flight, which was a routine early-morning service, quickly turned into a high-stakes emergency.

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• Airline Operator: GoJet Airlines (Operating as United Express)
• Flight Number: G7/UA 4423
• Route: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Date of Incident: Reported in late 2025 (Multiple reports cite July and December 2025).
• Aircraft Type: Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-700 (CRJ7) or CRJ-550.
• Time of Return: Approximately 6:34 a.m.
• Reason for Return: Crew reported smoke in the lavatory.
• Outcome: Safe landing, full emergency evacuation on the runway.

1. The Critical Smoke Report Just Minutes After Takeoff

The terrifying experience began almost immediately after the aircraft left the runway. GoJet Flight 4423 was en route to Chicago when the flight crew received a critical alert regarding smoke on board.

Passenger Hannah Breyley, speaking to news outlets, confirmed the immediate danger, stating that she smelled smoke shortly after the plane lifted off the ground. This rapid development necessitated an extremely quick decision by the flight crew to abort the ascent and execute an emergency return to St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The crew's swift action in declaring an emergency and turning back is credited with ensuring the safety of everyone on board.

2. The Aircraft Type and Regional Jet Safety

The aircraft involved in the emergency was identified as a Canadair Regional Jet, either a CRJ-700 or the smaller CRJ-550 variant, a common workhorse for regional carriers like GoJet Airlines. These regional jets are designed for shorter routes and high-frequency service, but like all commercial aircraft, they are equipped with robust safety features, including smoke detection systems in lavatories and cargo areas.

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The focus on the lavatory as the source of the smoke highlights a persistent issue in aviation: unauthorized smoking or vaping, which can trigger smoke alarms and lead to diversions. While the exact cause of the smoke is part of the ongoing FAA investigation, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the zero-tolerance policy for smoke-related issues on commercial flights.

3. Dramatic Evacuation via Wing Slides and Runways

Perhaps the most harrowing part of the incident for passengers was the emergency evacuation. After the CRJ-700 landed safely back at STL, the crew initiated an immediate evacuation on the taxiway.

Videos and passenger accounts confirmed that the evacuation involved the use of emergency slides, with some passengers having to climb off the plane's wings. This is standard procedure when an immediate threat, such as smoke or fire, is present, but it is a terrifying experience for travelers. The sight of passengers rapidly descending the slides and walking across the tarmac underscored the seriousness of the situation, even after the plane was on the ground.

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4. The FAA Investigation and GoJet's Safety Context

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) immediately launched an investigation into the incident, as is protocol for any emergency landing or evacuation. The investigation will focus on the source of the smoke, the functionality of the aircraft's smoke detection systems, and the crew's adherence to emergency procedures.

While GoJet Airlines, like all carriers, has had previous safety violations (one notable aviation safety violation in 2015), the company is consistently listed among regional carriers that meet safety standards. Aviation experts emphasize that the crew's decision to return immediately and evacuate swiftly indicates a well-trained response to a potential catastrophic failure, regardless of the final cause of the smoke. This focus on procedural compliance is key to maintaining a strong safety record.

5. Impact on Passengers and Future Travel Anxiety

The psychological impact on the passengers of Flight 4423 was significant. Reports from those on board described a chaotic but quick process, with the smell of smoke and the sudden return creating intense anxiety.

Incidents like this, where a flight returns to its origin due to a technical issue, often lead to temporary flight anxiety for those involved. GoJet and United Airlines provided support and rebooked the affected travelers to their final destination in Chicago. The incident serves as a crucial reminder for all travelers about the importance of paying attention to pre-flight safety briefings, particularly the location of emergency exits and the proper use of evacuation slides. The quick thinking of the crew and the cooperation of the passengers were vital in preventing a serious incident from escalating.