Envoy Air Flight Returns to Chicago O'Hare After Control Yoke Malfunction
An American Eagle Embraer ERJ-170, operated by Envoy Air on behalf of American Airlines, was forced to return to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) after its captain reported a loose control yoke shortly after departure. Flight AA-3551, carrying 52 people, was en route from Chicago O’Hare to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) when the issue arose. The aircraft had climbed to approximately 9,000 feet before the captain identified the problem. The first officer subsequently took control, and the E170 descended back to O’Hare, landing safely on Runway 10C approximately 25 minutes after its initial departure. The aircraft involved was registered N781EJ, an Embraer E170SU. The precise cause of the loose control yoke has not yet been determined, and maintenance personnel are expected to inspect the flight-control system to identify the reason for the abnormal movement.
