Skywest E120 at Bakersfield on Sep 3rd 2014, flaps problem

A Skywest Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia on behalf of United, registration N236SW performing flight OO-5373/UA-5373 from San Francisco,CA to Bakersfield,CA (USA) with 18 passengers and 3 crew, was descending through 15,000 feet towards Bakersfield when the crew decided to divert to Fresno,CA (USA) reporting a flaps issue. On approach to Fresno the crew reported they had no flaps, they expected a normal landing but needed the longer runway at Fresno. The aircraft landed safely in Fresno at a higher than normal speed (about 150 knots over ground) about 13 minutes after deciding to divert.

The passengers reported they couldn't tell what went wrong except that they landed at the wrong airport and emergency services were on standby.

The airline reported a mechanical issue.

A replacement Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia reached Bakersfield with a delay of 105 minutes.

Bakersfield features a runway 12L/30R of 3,310 meters/10,860 feet length and a runway 12R/30L of 2345 meters/7,700 feet. Fresno features the longest runway 11L/29R of 2,810 meters/9,230 feet. The Aviation Herald was unable to determine whether Bakersfield's runway 12L/30R was not available at the time of estimated arrival.