A United Airlines Boeing 777 flying from Honolulu to Los Angeles hit about five seconds of turbulence during its descent Wednesday night. The plane landed safely just before 9:30 p.m., but four flight attendants needed medical attention, and one was taken to a hospital. None of the 190 passengers on board were reported injured. The pilot requested medical help at the gate before landing, so medics were waiting when the aircraft arrived.
The outcome reflects where people are during descent. Passengers are seated and buckled in, while flight attendants are on their feet doing final cabin checks. When rough air arrives, crew members are the most exposed people on the plane. It’s a pattern safety officials see again and again, and why “keep your seatbelt on” isn’t just a suggestion, even when the air looks calm.
For Suncoast travelers heading out of SRQ or Tampa to visit family out west or cross a Hawaii trip off the bucket list, this is a good reminder to follow crew instructions, keep that belt fastened when you’re seated, and show a little appreciation to the people working the aisle.
Have you ever been on a flight where turbulence turned serious? Tell us your story in the comments.
