Summary
- 11 passengers hospitalized after Delta flight DL175 from Milan hits severe turbulence on approach to Atlanta.
- Delta confirms injuries to passengers and crew but doesn’t disclose the extent of injuries.
- NTSB launches investigation into the incident, with a preliminary report expected in 2-3 weeks.
A Delta Air Lines flight from Milan to Atlanta encountered severe turbulence that led to 11 passengers being hospitalized. The extent of the injuries has not yet been disclosed, but some passengers needed to be stretchered off the aircraft.
11 hospitalized after Delta flight turbulence
On Tuesday, Delta flight DL175 from Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) was hit by severe turbulence on approach to Atlanta. The aircraft – an Airbus A350 – had 151 passengers and 14 crew onboard, with many reportedly lifted out of their seats in the course of the ordeal.
Photo: VanderWolf Images / Shutterstock
In line with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), turbulence hit when the flight was around 40 miles northeast of Atlanta. While the plane landed safely in Atlanta just before 19:00, several had been injured as a result of the turbulence, and the flight was met by first responders.
Delta has confirmed that each passengers and crew were injured but didn’t comment on the extent of the injuries. The airline added that Customs and Border Protection officials allowed those hospitalized to be processed and cleared properly.
Passenger recounts harrowing experience
A passenger on the flight, Ayo Suber, told CNN that the initial 10 hours of the flight were normal before turbulence hit because the plane approached Atlanta. Suber said the aircraft suddenly dropped, adding “.” She also recounted a lady sitting in the center aisle who was thrown out of her seat, banging her head on the overhead storage bins.
The crew then informed passengers that first responders could be waiting for the aircraft’s arrival. Footage shows some passengers needed to be stretchered off, while one other appears to be in a neck brace.
NTSB opens investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has now launched an investigation into the incident. The investigation will look into quite a lot of aspects, including flight data, weather conditions and the crew response.
Photo: hlopex / Shutterstock
The NTSB commented,
Easy Flying reported a couple of turbulence incidents this summer, including a British Airways flight that needed to turn back to Singapore after five crew members were injured and later hospitalized. In December, Hawaiian Airlines passengers went through one in all the worst turbulence experiences lately, injuring greater than 35 – a lot of which were severe injuries – which later resulted in a lawsuit against the airline.
What’s the worst bout of turbulence you’ve ever been involved in? Did the experience put you off flying? Tell us within the comments.