A United Airlines flight en route from Cancun, Mexico to Chicago, Illinois had to make an unplanned landing in Memphis, Tennessee on August 28, 2024, due to intense turbulence over Louisiana. The sudden turbulence resulted in injuries to seven passengers, with one being taken to a local hospital in non-critical condition. The other six injured passengers opted not to seek medical attention.
The aircraft involved was United Flight 1196, a Boeing 737-900, carrying 172 passengers and seven crew members. The plane was flying over Louisiana when severe turbulence struck. At the time of the incident, the seatbelt sign was lit. The severity of the shaking led the pilot to redirect the flight to Memphis International Airport.
At 2:50 p.m. local time, the plane safely landed in Memphis where paramedics were ready to assist the injured passengers. As per the Memphis Fire Department, the hospitalized passenger’s condition was non-critical. While the exact nature of injuries to the other passengers is unclear, they have been described as minor.
A spokesperson for United Airlines expressed gratitude towards the crew for ensuring the safety of everyone onboard. The flight continued its journey to Chicago a few hours later, where it landed safely.
Severe turbulence incidents, though not common, have been increasing in recent years. According to a study highlighted by Fox Business, there has been a significant increase in clear-air turbulence, which lacks visual indicators like clouds, due to climate change. The study recorded a 55% increase in severe clear-air turbulence over the North Atlantic between 1979 and 2020, with projections suggesting that turbulence could more than double by 2050 in the mid-Northern Hemisphere.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has started an investigation into the incident to ascertain the precise cause of the turbulence and identify any factors that may have contributed to it. The investigation will likely include a review of weather data, aircraft performance, and the crew’s response during the event.
Passengers described the turbulence as short but intense. One passenger, Tyeisha Jefferson, initially thought the plane was landing. Upon realizing it wasn’t, she raised the window blinds and began praying.
A second passenger, Patrick Froh, recounted that the turbulence was so severe, that the flight attendant almost hit the ceiling. Froh mentioned that several passengers were injured, and food was strewn about the cabin, staining clothes and the ceiling. He stated it was one of the most distressing experiences he had ever faced on a flight.
United Airlines, like other airlines, regularly advises passengers to keep their seatbelts fastened at all times while seated, even when the seatbelt sign is not illuminated. This precaution is recommended due to the unpredictable nature of clear-air turbulence, which can lead to sudden and violent aircraft movements without warning.
