Unexpected In-Flight Movement Causes Panic and Injuries
A United Airlines flight from Lagos, Nigeria, to Washington Dulles International Airport, Virginia, was forced to return to Lagos after an unexpected in-flight movement caused panic and injuries among passengers. The incident occurred on Thursday, January 23, leading to a sudden drop in altitude that resulted in chaos inside the cabin.
Passengers Panic as Flight UA613 Experiences Sudden Drop
Flight UA613, carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, took off from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) at 23:59 local time. However, about 93 minutes into the flight, the aircraft experienced a sharp drop in altitude, causing food trays, dishes, and personal belongings to be thrown across the cabin.
FlightRadar24 data indicated that the aircraft suddenly dropped over 1,000 feet from cruising altitude. The flight crew immediately declared an emergency, and the aircraft returned to Lagos, landing safely at 03:22 AM on Friday, January 24. Emergency teams were already waiting at Gate D31 to assist passengers.
Authorities Confirm Injuries and Investigate Incident
According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), a total of 38 people sustained injuries:
- 4 passengers and 2 crew members suffered serious injuries
- 27 passengers and 5 crew members had minor injuries
FAAN addressed concerns about the medical response, stating that their team was already prepared before the aircraft landed. However, some passengers claimed that they had to wait longer than expected for medical assistance.
A United Airlines spokesperson confirmed that the injured passengers and crew members were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and later discharged. The airline is now working with aviation authorities in both the U.S. and Nigeria to determine the cause of the unexpected movement.
United Airlines Rules Out Turbulence as Cause
While initial speculation suggested turbulence may have caused the sudden drop, United Airlines has ruled it out. The actual reason for the incident remains unclear, and an official investigation is ongoing.
Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), reassured the public that there were no fatalities and that affected passengers had been provided hotel accommodations.
Aircraft Involved in a Previous Incident
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as N27903, was manufactured in 2012 and is part of United Airlines’ long-haul fleet. Interestingly, this same aircraft had been diverted earlier in the week, on Monday, January 20, during another flight from Lagos to Washington D.C., forcing it to land in Accra, Ghana.
As of Saturday, January 25, the aircraft remains grounded in Lagos while experts continue their investigation into the recurring altitude issues.
The emergency return of United Airlines Flight UA613 highlights the unpredictable challenges faced by airlines and passengers. While the situation caused panic and injuries, the quick response of the flight crew ensured a safe landing. The cause of the sudden altitude drop remains unknown, but aviation authorities are working diligently to identify and resolve the issue. With the same aircraft experiencing multiple incidents in one week, further investigations will determine if the problem is related to the aircraft itself or external factors.
