Flight nightmare: A 'technical problem' on a Boeing jet left 12 passengers injured
- Replies 31
Travelling by air is often seen as one of the safest modes of transportation, with rigorous safety standards and advanced technology ensuring millions of passengers reach their destinations safely every year.
However, recent events have raised concerns about the reliability of some aircraft, particularly after a harrowing incident aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that left 12 passengers injured and many shaken.
The flight in question, operated by LATAM Airlines, was en route from Sydney to Auckland when it experienced what has been described as a 'technical problem,' resulting in a sudden and severe drop in altitude.
The unexpected turbulence caused chaos and fear among the passengers, with reports of broken roof panels and bleeding passengers.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the 787-9 Dreamliner, has acknowledged the incident and is actively investigating the cause of the technical issue.
In a statement to the press, Boeing said: ‘We are working to gather more information about the flight and will provide any support needed by our customer.’
The aviation giant, which has faced increased scrutiny over the past months due to various issues with its aircraft worldwide, is under pressure to ensure the safety and reliability of its planes.
The aftermath of the incident was a scene of urgency, with more than half a dozen ambulance vehicles rushing to Auckland International Airport.
St John Ambulance New Zealand reported treating approximately 50 patients, with 12 requiring hospitalisation at Middlemore Hospital and other facilities.
One patient was in a serious condition, while the others ranged from ‘moderate to minor’ injuries.
Passenger accounts of the event vividly depict the terror experienced on board.
Brian Jokat, a passenger who was on the flight, recounted the moment the plane dropped.
The sudden fall, which lasted only a second or two, was enough to throw people from their seats, causing injuries and panic.
‘I mean, it dropped unlike anything I've ever experienced on any kind of minor turbulence and people were thrown out of their seats, hit the top of the roof of the plane, thrown down the aisles, it was madness, madness,’ he said.
The pilot's reaction post-incident was one of shock, according to Jokat.
The pilot reportedly said: ‘My gauges just blanked out, I lost all of my ability to fly the plane.’
LATAM Airlines, a Chilean carrier, reported that the Dreamliner experienced a ‘strong movement’ due to a technical issue.
The company said in a statement: ‘LATAM regrets the inconvenience and injury this situation may have caused its passengers, and reiterates its commitment to safety as a priority within the framework of its operational standards.’
Another passenger recalled his experience in this interview:
Source: ABC News (Australia)/YouTube
This incident comes on the heels of another unrelated event involving a United Airlines flight from Sydney to San Francisco, which had to turn back due to a detected leak.
Although no injuries were reported in that case, it adds to the growing concerns about aircraft safety and the importance of stringent maintenance and oversight.
As investigations continue, the aviation community and the public await answers that will hopefully lead to increased safety measures and prevent such frightening incidents from occurring in the future.
Our thoughts go out to those affected by the incident, and we wish them a swift recovery.
What do you think of this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
However, recent events have raised concerns about the reliability of some aircraft, particularly after a harrowing incident aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that left 12 passengers injured and many shaken.
The flight in question, operated by LATAM Airlines, was en route from Sydney to Auckland when it experienced what has been described as a 'technical problem,' resulting in a sudden and severe drop in altitude.
The unexpected turbulence caused chaos and fear among the passengers, with reports of broken roof panels and bleeding passengers.
A flight operated by LATAM Airlines encountered a technical issue while on its way to Auckland. Image source: Shutterstock
Boeing, the manufacturer of the 787-9 Dreamliner, has acknowledged the incident and is actively investigating the cause of the technical issue.
In a statement to the press, Boeing said: ‘We are working to gather more information about the flight and will provide any support needed by our customer.’
The aviation giant, which has faced increased scrutiny over the past months due to various issues with its aircraft worldwide, is under pressure to ensure the safety and reliability of its planes.
The aftermath of the incident was a scene of urgency, with more than half a dozen ambulance vehicles rushing to Auckland International Airport.
St John Ambulance New Zealand reported treating approximately 50 patients, with 12 requiring hospitalisation at Middlemore Hospital and other facilities.
One patient was in a serious condition, while the others ranged from ‘moderate to minor’ injuries.
Passenger accounts of the event vividly depict the terror experienced on board.
Brian Jokat, a passenger who was on the flight, recounted the moment the plane dropped.
The sudden fall, which lasted only a second or two, was enough to throw people from their seats, causing injuries and panic.
‘I mean, it dropped unlike anything I've ever experienced on any kind of minor turbulence and people were thrown out of their seats, hit the top of the roof of the plane, thrown down the aisles, it was madness, madness,’ he said.
The pilot's reaction post-incident was one of shock, according to Jokat.
The pilot reportedly said: ‘My gauges just blanked out, I lost all of my ability to fly the plane.’
LATAM Airlines, a Chilean carrier, reported that the Dreamliner experienced a ‘strong movement’ due to a technical issue.
The company said in a statement: ‘LATAM regrets the inconvenience and injury this situation may have caused its passengers, and reiterates its commitment to safety as a priority within the framework of its operational standards.’
Another passenger recalled his experience in this interview:
Source: ABC News (Australia)/YouTube
This incident comes on the heels of another unrelated event involving a United Airlines flight from Sydney to San Francisco, which had to turn back due to a detected leak.
Although no injuries were reported in that case, it adds to the growing concerns about aircraft safety and the importance of stringent maintenance and oversight.
Our thoughts go out to those affected by the incident, and we wish them a swift recovery.
What do you think of this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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