United Airlines Flight 3496 Declares Mayday Due to Smoke in Cockpit

Initial Approach and Weather Challenges

• ✈️ United Flight 3496 initially faced challenging weather conditions near Savannah, with runway visual range (RVR) readings below minimums for landing.
• 📉 The crew was forced to discontinue their approach due to RVRs of 1,400 feet, needing 1,800 feet.
• ⏳ The flight attempted to hold for improving conditions, with dispatch considering a diversion if weather did not improve within a specified timeframe.

Mayday Declaration and Diversion

• ⚠️ A critical situation arose when smoke was detected in the flight deck, prompting an immediate Mayday declaration.
• 🛫 The flight crew requested to divert to Jacksonville International Airport due to the emergency.
• 🗺️ Air traffic control provided vectors and altitude changes to facilitate the diversion, but the crew later considered Charleston as a potentially better option.

Emergency Landing Preparations

• 📍 The flight crew ultimately chose Charleston International Airport, which reported favorable weather conditions (10 miles visibility, clear).
• 📝 Air traffic control coordinated with Charleston for an ARNAV Yankee runway 15 approach.
• 🚒 Upon landing, the crew requested emergency vehicles to meet them on the ramp for an inspection of the aircraft.

Post-Landing Procedures

• 🛬 The aircraft successfully landed at Charleston International Airport.
• 🚨 Emergency vehicles were on standby to inspect the aircraft for the reported smoke issue.
• ✅ The crew confirmed souls on board (71) and fuel on board, and were cleared to taxi after the inspection.