CHICAGO (WLS) — Passengers endured a scary landing on Tuesday morning after a smoke warning forced a Chicago-bound flight to turn around and head back to St. Louis.

GoJet Airlines, which operated the United Airlines flight, said the flight crew reported a lavatory smoke warning shortly after takeoff.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“It didn’t really hit until they started talking about, when we tell you to brace for impact, put your head down between your legs,” said passenger Dominic Gagliardotto, of Palatine. “And when they said that I texted my daughter, telling her I’ll always love her.”

Gagliardotto shared video showing the evacuation process. Firefighters helped people to get down from the aircraft.

Flight records show the flight departed for Chicago O’Hare Airport again hours later, but Gagliardotto decided to drive back to Chicago.

GoJet Airlines, which operates for United, issued a statement, saying “GoJet Airlines Flight 4423 from St. Louis Lambert to Chicago O’Hare returned to St. Louis this morning shortly after takeoff after the crew reported a lavatory smoke warning. The aircraft landed safely, and Lambert Airport operations transported all passengers back to the terminal. We arranged for a different aircraft to take our customers to Chicago, and the flight has since departed.”

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a statement, saying, “GoJet Flight 4423 returned safely to St. Louis Lambert International Airport around 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, after the crew reported possible smoke in the aircraft. The CRJ 700 was headed to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The FAA will investigate. Please contact the airline for additional information.”