BRAINERD, Minn. -- A SkyWest Airlines flight from Brainerd to Minneapolis Friday morning was given priority landing after smoke was detected in the cabin about eight minutes into the 7:47 a.m. flight.
A smoke detector sounded and smoke started flowing into the cabin of the CRJ-200 jet, said Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport Commission Chair Andy Larson, who was on Delta flight 7423.
Delta flights from Brainerd are operated by SkyWest.
"I knew something was wrong when I could feel the plane accelerate," Larson said.
The flight, which usually lasts up to 26 minutes, landed safely after 15 minutes at the Minneapolis St.Paul International Airport (MSP).
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All passengers appeared fine, Larson said. The flight was about two-thirds full.
As smoke started filling the cabin, Larson said the flight attendant walked up and down the aisle, telling passengers everything was OK and the situation was under control.
Passengers were all calm, Larson said.
He compared the thickness of the smoke to a smoky restaurant, back when cigarettes were allowed inside. "It's not like we couldn't see the length of the plane," he said.
The plane was given priority status by air traffic control at MSP, said Airport Manager Jeff Wig.
Fire and police officials were on the scene immediately and the passengers walked away from the scene
