UI-router $stateChangeError fires on HTTP error? Can I handle the error myself?

I have a resolve function that makes an HTTP call that returns a failed status (409). I want to handle the error myself, but it seems like something is broadcasting the error to $stateChangeError even though I haven't returned anything from my resolve function yet.

How can I allow HTTP errors to occur in resolve? Why doesn't it just use the return value to detect the failure?

     resolve:
     {
          thing: function()
          {
                return Bluebird.settle(  someRequests   )
                     .then( function () { .... } );
          }
     }

I expected it to reach the then part, but I get a $stateChangeError during the failed request.

Thanks