United Airlines flight diverted to Indy after descending 22,000 feet

A United Airlines flight from Charlotte, N.C., to Chicago was rerouted to Indianapolis on Sunday morning after descending 22,000 feet mid-flight.

"The pilots safely descended the aircraft from 32,000 feet to approximately 10,000 feet," ExpressJet spokesman Jarek Beem said in an email. ExpressJet is one of United's regional partners and operated the flight. Beem said pilots were in control of the aircraft at all times.

The drop was caused by an issue with the pressurization system, according to Beem.

Flight 5919 left Charlotte at 6:50 a.m. and arrived safely in Indianapolis around 8:30 a.m.

Fox59 reported that some passengers complained of headaches because of the sudden change in air pressure.

Call Star reporter Olivia Lewis at (317) 444-6126. Follow her on Twitter: @TheWrittenPeace.