Wyoming-bound flight from SFO diverted after pilot not allowed to land: Here's the unusual reason

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- An Alaska flight from San Francisco International Airport to Jackson Hole, Wyoming had to divert to Salt Lake City last week.

It turns out, the issue -- was really unusual.

The pilot wasn't allowed to land in Jackson Hole.

Jackson Hole Airport has special qualifications to take off and land due to the mountainous terrain.

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Passengers on the SkyWest Flight 3491 posted on Reddit that the pilot announced during the flight -- he didn't have those qualifications.

SkyWest issued a statement to a local newspaper saying it was actually a paperwork error and the pilot was qualified.

But they swapped the pilot out in Salt Lake City and the plane continued on after a short delay.