Turbulence and Safety: What Went Wrong on United Flight 1890
On February 10, 2024, a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Newark faced serious turbulence that left three flight attendants injured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has now completed a two-year investigation into the incident.
The flight, United 1890, encountered an unexpected drop in altitude while descending. The weather forecast had warned about thunderstorms, but the aircraft’s radar didn’t indicate any significant turbulence on the flight path.
Just three minutes before the turbulence hit, another plane reported “moderate turbulence” to an air traffic controller. Unfortunately, this warning never reached the crew of United 1890. An NTSB report stated that the controller failed to share this crucial information as required by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines.
At the time of the incident, the fasten-seatbelt sign was on, and the flight attendants were busy with final cabin checks. Suddenly, the plane dropped and then pitched violently upward. Radar indicated that wind speeds shifted dramatically—up to 75 miles per hour—within just 4,000 feet.
The impact was severe. One flight attendant was thrown to the ceiling, suffering a fractured spine. Two others lost consciousness. One sustained a shattered femur and crushed vertebrae, while the other suffered facial cuts and bleeding in the brain. Passengers who weren’t buckled in, including a baby and someone in the lavatory, also experienced the violent jolt.
Experts emphasize the need for better communication in aviation. Dr. Jane Smith, an aviation safety consultant, notes, “Timely information is critical in preventing these accidents. Both ground control and pilots should have systems in place to ensure vital updates are shared.” This incident underscores how a single missed communication can lead to serious injuries.
Recent statistics from the FAA reveal that turbulence-related injuries have been on the rise. Between 2009 and 2018, turbulence was responsible for 290 injuries across U.S. carriers, with flight attendants often being the most affected. This points to a growing need for enhanced safety protocols, such as improved weather reporting systems and training for handling unexpected situations.
This tragic event reminds us how unpredictable flying can be. As travelers, we often trust that our safety is prioritized. Yet this incident reveals cracks in that system, urging airlines to refine their operations and keep both crew and passengers safer in the skies.
For further reading on aviation safety, you can check out the FAA’s comprehensive guidelines here.
