A United Airlines flight from Nigeria to Washington, D.C. made an emergency landing in Lagos due to unexpected aircraft movement, injuring 38 people, including six hospitalized. The incident is under investigation by aviation authorities.
A United Airlines flight bound for Washington, D.C. from Lagos, Nigeria, was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff due to an unexpected aircraft movement. The incident resulted in injuries to 38 individuals, with six requiring hospitalization. The airline and aviation authorities are currently investigating the cause of the event, which disrupted what was supposed to be a routine transatlantic journey.
United Airlines Flight 613, a Boeing 787-8, departed from Lagos on Thursday night and was en route to Washington, D.C. when it encountered a technical issue leading to an unexpected aircraft movement. This prompted the flight crew to make an emergency landing back in Lagos. According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the plane returned to Murtala Muhammed International Airport approximately three and a half hours after departure. The aircraft did not sustain major damage, and the airline confirmed that all 245 passengers, eight crew members, and three pilots were safely evacuated upon landing[1][2].
The unexpected movement of the aircraft led to injuries for 38 people on board. Among them, six individuals, including four passengers and two crew members, were hospitalized with what United Airlines described as minor injuries. However, Nigerian authorities characterized these injuries as serious. The remaining 32 individuals sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site before being released. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria coordinated with the flight crew to ensure medical teams were on standby prior to the aircraft's landing, facilitating prompt medical attention for the injured[3][4].
The cause of the unexpected aircraft movement remains unclear, with United Airlines stating that it was not due to severe turbulence. The airline is collaborating with aviation authorities in both Nigeria and the United States to investigate the incident. This particular aircraft, a Boeing 787-8, had previously been involved in a similar situation, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to recommend inspections of cockpit seat switches on such models. The investigation aims to determine whether any mechanical issues or other factors contributed to the in-flight emergency[5][6].
The emergency landing of United Airlines Flight 613 highlights the challenges and potential dangers faced during air travel. While the cause of the unexpected aircraft movement is still under investigation, the swift response by the flight crew and Nigerian authorities ensured the safety of all on board. As investigations continue, the aviation industry will be closely monitoring the findings to prevent similar incidents in the future.
"We are working with aviation authorities in the U.S. and Nigeria to understand the cause." - United Airlines spokesperson