Authorities in Pitkin County are investigating what caused the cockpit of a SkyWest jet to fill with smoke this afternoon, forcing the plane to return to Aspen Airport.
Flight 5940 was flying from Aspen to Denver International Airport, when it turned back. All 70 passengers and crew were uninjured and evacuated safely, according to a statement from the airport.
The plane left Sardy Field at 12:36 p.m. and returned at 1:10 p.m., according to a flight-tracking database.
SkyWest did not immediately return calls this afternoon.
Fire crews from Aspen Airport, Aspen Volunteer Fire Department and Snowmass-Wildcat Fire Protection District, Aspen Ambulance and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office were waiting when the jet landed and parked just off runway 15.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
