Source: Simon Hradecky | www.avherald.com

A CommuteAir Embraer ERJ-145 on behalf of United, registration N11164 performing flight UA-4969 from Houston Intercontinental,TX to Panama City,FL (USA), was climbing out of Houston’s runway 15L when the crew stopped the climb at 4000 feet reporting smoke in the cockpit. The transponder signal ceased shortly after. Emergency services were told, the aircraft would land without being able to talk to tower/emergency services due to losing their electrical systems. The aircraft returned to Houston Intercontinental for a safe landing on runway 27 about 20 minutes after departure.

The FAA reported: “CommuteAir Flight 4969 safely returned to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport around 2:15 p.m. local time Wednesday, Sept. 3, after the crew reported smoke in the cockpit. The Embraer E145 was travelling to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. The FAA will investigate.”

The airline reported a potential maintenance issue caused the return.

The aircraft is still on the ground in Houston about 45 hours after landing back.