A United Airlines Boeing 777 hit unexpected severe turbulence over Kansas on Tuesday while enroute from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles. The aircraft diverted to Denver, arriving at 7:45 p.m. (8:45 Twin Cities time) where 30 passengers including four crew members were taken to the hospital. One passenger was being treated for critical injuries while most of the others were considered to have walking injuries such as bruises, whiplash, strains and sprains. Most had been released by late evening. A replacement aircraft took many of the 255 passengers on the original flight on to Los Angeles.
While turbulence can never be completely predicted, it is even more dangerous when an aircraft is at cruise altitude, in this case 34,000 feet, with no reports of rough air from other pilots who are in the area. Passengers often become complacent and take off their seat belts when the seat belt sign is turned off. Others may be using the rest room facilities when turbulence strikes, but it is imperative, especially during the summer months, to re-fasten your seat belt when returning to your seat no matter what the 'at altitude' conditions may be.
One passenger on United 967, a woman, was thrown so violently out of her seat that she slammed her head into the cabin wall and cracked it just above the window. A young girl, age 12, ended up hitting the ceiling of the aircraft when it suddenly descended. None of the physical injuries were sustained by passengers who were in their seats with their seat belts fastened, as is always highly recommended by the cockpit crew when speaking with the passengers after the aircraft reaches its cruise altitude.
FAA inspectors in Denver reported no visible external damage to the wide-body aircraft, though internally was a different story. The aircraft, as would be expected, was taken out of service for a thorough inspection before it will be permitted to return to service. Repairs will also be necessary to the passenger cabin.
Once again, a word to the wise: ALWAYS wear your seat belt when seated. Severe and extreme turbulence, while rare, can occur anywhere and at anytime. If you aren't using the lavatory, and be sure that the seat belt sign is't illuminated when you do, stay in your seat and buckle up!
Comments
Several years ago, something like this happened at the old Midwest..a Flight Attendant had her pelvis shattered on the ceiling! This is part of every day life, for the under respected Flight Attendants, and they accept it. The SAD part is, it does not have to be an issue for the SEATED passengers, if their ego's would allow them to follow rule (every airline in the US require seated passenger to keep their seat belts fastened).
That's awful - just hope everyone will be okay.
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