Sky West Pilot Forced To Make Emergency Landing DENVER - A Sky West pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in Denver after a report of smoke in the aircraft. Denver International Airport officials say the flight with 49 passengers and three crew members on board returned to DIA shortly after takeoff at around noon Saturday. The plane was evacuated and no one was injured. Sky West says the flight, operated as United Express, was met by emergency vehicles, and passengers were bused back to the concourse.