A United Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Memphis International Airport after encountering severe turbulence that resulted in injuries to at least six people, according to the Memphis Fire Department (MFD).
United Flight 1196, a Boeing 737 traveling from Cancun, Mexico, to Chicago, experienced intense turbulence over New Orleans, prompting the crew to divert the flight to Memphis. Data from the Flight Aware app shows that the turbulence was so severe the pilot had to maneuver the plane in a complete circle before safely landing in Memphis on Wednesday afternoon.
Seven injured as United Airlines flight hits severe turbulence, makes emergency landing in Memphis. https://t.co/QaFdxKm0vE
— 1290 WJNO (@WJNONews) August 29, 2024
The flight had 179 people on board, including passengers and crew members. The Memphis Fire Department reported that six individuals sustained minor injuries, with one additional person taken to a hospital in non-critical condition.
An ABC24 camera crew captured footage of the United Airlines plane before it departed Memphis for Chicago around 5 p.m. CST. United Airlines confirmed that the aircraft encountered “a brief period of severe turbulence” and noted that the seatbelt sign was illuminated at the time. Paramedics were present at the gate when the plane landed to provide immediate assistance and transport the injured passenger to the hospital.
“We’re grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers, and we expect the flight to depart for Chicago soon,” United Airlines said in a statement.
United Airlines flight makes emergency landing after severe turbulence, many injured https://t.co/pj4cUGaQ9o
— Keith Thomas King (@photoking63) August 29, 2024
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also confirmed the incident and stated they would be conducting an investigation. The FAA’s statement noted, “United Airlines Flight 1196 landed safely at Memphis International Airport around 2:50 p.m. local time on Wednesday, August 28, after the crew reported severe turbulence over Louisiana. The Boeing 737-900 departed from Cancun International Airport and was originally headed to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The FAA will investigate.”
Summary:
i. United Airlines Flight 1196 made an emergency landing in Memphis due to severe turbulence.
ii. The Boeing 737 was flying from Cancun to Chicago when it encountered turbulence over New Orleans.
iii. Six passengers sustained minor injuries, with one person taken to the hospital in non-critical condition.
iv. The flight later departed Memphis for Chicago after a brief delay.
v. The FAA will investigate the incident to determine the cause of the turbulence.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
