United Airlines plane taking off from Maui plunged to within 800 feet of the Pacific Ocean, flight data shows: A United Airlines flight taking off from Maui experienced a harrowing moment when it unexpectedly plunged to within 800 feet of the Pacific Ocean, according to flight data.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 8th, on United Airlines Flight 1175, which was bound for San Francisco. The plane, a Boeing 777, was carrying 363 passengers and 10 crew members.
According to data from FlightAware, a flight tracking website, the plane was climbing through 18,000 feet when it suddenly began to descend rapidly. The descent lasted for approximately one minute and caused the plane to drop to an altitude of just 800 feet. During this time, the pilot declared an emergency and requested to return to the airport.
Passengers on board the flight reported feeling a sudden drop and hearing a loud bang, which some thought was an engine exploding. One passenger, Maria Falaschi, tweeted a video of the damaged engine, which appeared to be missing a large piece of its casing.
In a statement, United Airlines confirmed that one of the plane’s engines had experienced an issue, but did not provide any further details.
“The flight landed safely after the pilots called for an emergency landing because of an issue with the engine,” the statement read. “Our pilots followed all necessary protocols to safely land the aircraft.”
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of United Airlines’ fleet, particularly its older planes like the Boeing 777. According to the Aviation Safety Network, there have been 12 incidents involving United Airlines’ Boeing 777s since 2013, including engine failures and other mechanical issues.
The incident also highlights the importance of flight data in investigating aviation incidents. Flight data recorders, or “black boxes,” are crucial in determining the cause of accidents and near-misses like this one.
In this case, the flight data shows that the plane experienced a sudden drop in altitude, which is consistent with a loss of engine power. However, the exact cause of the engine failure is still unknown.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident. The agency will examine the flight data, as well as any other evidence, to determine what caused the engine failure and whether any safety procedures were violated.
The NTSB investigation is likely to take several months, and in the meantime, United Airlines has grounded all of its Boeing 777s. The airline has also offered refunds and compensation to the passengers on Flight 1175.
Despite the terrifying experience, many passengers on the flight praised the professionalism of the pilots and crew.
“We’re just grateful to be alive,” one passenger told reporters. “The pilots did an amazing job getting us back safely.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in air travel, and the importance of well-trained pilots and reliable aircraft. As air travel continues to increase in popularity, it is crucial that airlines and aviation regulators prioritize safety above all else.