An Envoy Air Embraer ERJ-145 had to return to Miami on Wednesday, August 19, after reports of a problem with the aircraft’s anti-ice system. The nearly 22-year-old Embraer ERJ-145 was operating as flight number MQ-3332/AA-3332 from Miami International Airport (MIA) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio.
As the plane was climbing through 30,000 feet, the pilots stopped the ascent and requested to return to Miami following a bleed air issue that caused the anti-ice system to fail. The aircraft landed safely back in Miami some 75 minutes after departure, where according to The Aviation Herald, it remained on the ground for 105 minutes.
Once the air bleed system problem was diagnosed and repaired, the plane took off again for Columbus, landing in Ohio with a delay of two hours and ten minutes.
CMH is not a hub for Envoy Air
You would think that icing would not be a problem when flying from Florida to Ohio in the summertime, but the temperature is much colder at high altitudes. On most jet aircraft, hot air from the engines is funneled through piping to the wings, engine opening, and tail to prevent icing.
Even if the aircraft was able to carry on flying to Columbus with its anti-ice system not working, the plane still needs to be repaired once it is on the ground. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is not a hub for Envoy Air or American Airlines. Therefore, it made sense to return to Miami. Here, they would have had the expertise and parts needed to repair the air bleed and get the jet back into service as quickly as possible.
While they managed to get the plane fixed and complete the flight, it’s a shame that they did not have a replacement aircraft available. Most likely, the passengers remained on the plane while it was being repaired.
About Envoy Air
Formally known as American Eagle, Envoy Air is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the American Airlines Group. As such, the Irving, Texas-based carrier works as a feeder airline for American Airlines. Considered one of the world’s largest regional airlines, Envoy Air is an affiliate member of oneworld and has the company slogan ” Going for great.” In Envoy Air’s current fleet of 166 aircraft, 58 of them are ERJ-145s.
About the Embraer ERJ-145
The 50 passenger ERJ-145 is a twin-engine Brazilian-built jet that competes with Bombardier CRJ regional jets in the lucrative North American market. The largest of the Embraer Regional Jet family, the ERJ-145, is deployed on quick turnaround routes throughout the day. This gives airlines the ability to put larger aircraft on more money-making longer distance routes. Seating aboard the ERJ-145 is in a 2+1 configuration allowing every passenger to have a window or aisle seat.
Some people complain about the ERJ-145, saying it’s like flying in a “lawn dart,” while others prefer it to a turboprop.
What are your thoughts on the ERJ-145? Do you like it or would you prefer a bigger plane? Please let us know in the comments.