MAYDAY Declared! Stabilizer Trim Runaway on United Express CRJ-200 after O'Hare Departure

December 8, 2025 A SkyWest Airlines (operating as United Express) Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-200 (N963SW) declared an emergency shortly after departure from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Performing flight SKW5344 / UA5344 to Saginaw MBS International Airport (MBS), the crew reported a critical stabilizer trim runaway and difficulties with roll control. In this intense ATC audio recording, you'll hear the flight crew calmly but urgently declare "MAYDAY" to air traffic control, requesting an immediate return to O'Hare. Facing a significant flight control anomaly, they worked closely with ATC to configure for a safe return. The crew successfully executed a safe visual approach and landed without further incident. The aircraft then remained stopped on the runway for about five minutes before taxiing, likely to complete vital checklists and assess the situation. Aircraft: SkyWest Airlines Canadair CRJ-200 | Registration: N963SW Flight: SKW5344 / UA5344 (United Express) Route: Chicago O'Hare (KORD) → Saginaw MBS (KMBS) Incident: Stabilizer Trim Runaway, Roll Control Difficulty | MAYDAY Declared Outcome: Safe return and landing at O'Hare. This audio captures a prime example of superior crew resource management (CRM) and effective pilot-controller coordination during an in-flight emergency. #UnitedExpress #RunawayTrim #ORD --------------------------------------------- Report an aviation incident, crash, or interesting moment that you'd like to see as a video here: https://ATCAlertTips.com. Pilot Flight Gear & Gifts - https://www.flightoutfitters.com/?aff... Airline Models - https://midwestmodelstore.com?sca_ref... Source Information: Audio communication: https://www.liveatc.net