(CBS) -- A SkyWest flight bound for Hartford made an emergency landing in Buffalo after a passenger lost consciousness, the airline said on Wednesday.
The FAA said in a statement that SkyWest Airlines Flight 5622, an Embraer E170 aircraft, landed safely at Buffalo International Airport at 11:40 a.m. after the crew reported a pressurization problem and declared an emergency.
But SkyWest Airlines spokeswoman Marissa Snow says the plane didn't appear to have a pressurization problem.
Snow said one passenger lost consciousness. She said the pilots rapidly descended "out of an abundance of caution." That is the standard move if a plane loses pressure because of the higher oxygen content at lower elevations.
The airline said the passenger received medical attention before being released.
"We are working to accommodate the 75 passengers to Hartford," the airline said in a statement.
SkyWest Flight 5622 landed safely in Buffalo, NY after a passenger lost consciousness, no problem w door. Other 75 pax being accommodated.
— SkyWest Airlines (@SkyWestAirlines)
The flight originated in Chicago.
Daniel J. Neaverth, Jr., commissioner of the Department of Erie County Emergency Services, told CBS affiliate WIVB that no lights went off indicating a pressure drop in the cabin, but the pilots performed a rapid decent to land quickly at the nearest airport, which was Buffalo.
The FAA is investigating.
