40 Injured on United Airlines International Flight After Boeing Plane Suddenly Descends
March 22, 2025
NEW YORK — A terrifying mid-air incident left 40 passengers injured on a United Airlines international flight after the Boeing 777 suddenly dropped thousands of feet without warning. The harrowing ordeal unfolded at 38,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, causing chaos in the cabin as passengers and crew were violently tossed from their seats.
A Routine Flight Turns Dangerous
United Airlines Flight 762, en route from London Heathrow to Newark Liberty International Airport, had been cruising smoothly for nearly four hours when disaster struck.
Passengers described a normal, even pleasant, journey before a sudden, gut-wrenching drop jolted everyone on board.
“It felt like the plane just disappeared beneath us,” said Emily Carter, a 32-year-old business traveler from New York. “One moment, I was sipping my coffee, and the next, I was airborne, slamming into the ceiling.”
The aircraft reportedly plunged nearly 6,000 feet in a matter of seconds. Passengers who were not wearing seatbelts were thrown violently from their seats, crashing into overhead bins, seats, and even other passengers. Flight attendants, in the middle of serving meals, were caught off guard, with food, drinks, and service carts flying through the aisles.
Panic in the Cabin
Video footage captured by passengers shows overhead bins popping open, luggage spilling into the aisles, and oxygen masks dangling from the ceiling. Screams filled the cabin as people braced for what they feared was an impending crash.
“I thought we were going down,” said Mark Rodriguez, a tourist from Texas. “I grabbed my wife’s hand and started praying.”
One flight attendant reportedly hit her head on the ceiling so hard that she lost consciousness for several minutes. Passengers scrambled to assist her as the plane leveled out. Another passenger, an elderly man, suffered a broken arm after being thrown against the armrest of his seat.
“I remember hearing a loud bang, like a crack, and I just knew I’d broken something,” said 67-year-old Robert Manning.
United Airlines later confirmed that 40 people were injured, with at least ten requiring medical attention upon landing.
Pilot’s Urgent Response
As panic spread through the cabin, the flight crew immediately took action. The pilot, identified as Captain Jonathan Blake, quickly reassured passengers over the intercom.
“We experienced unexpected turbulence, but the aircraft is stable,” he announced. “Please remain seated with your seatbelts fastened. We’re in contact with air traffic control and will provide updates shortly.”
Behind the scenes, the flight crew was working rapidly to assess the damage. The co-pilot, First Officer Rachel Kim, attempted to determine the cause of the sudden descent.
Initial reports suggest that the drop was caused by an “uncommanded altitude deviation,” a technical term for a sudden and unintended change in altitude. Experts speculate that an issue with the aircraft’s autopilot or pressurization system may have triggered the event.
Emergency Landing and Medical Response
Despite the terrifying ordeal, the pilots managed to stabilize the aircraft and continue toward Newark, where emergency medical teams were standing by. The plane landed safely at 6:47 p.m. EST, and paramedics rushed aboard to treat the injured.
Passengers were assisted off the plane, with some transported to local hospitals for further evaluation. Others were treated at the airport for minor cuts, bruises, and shock.
United Airlines released a statement shortly after the landing, expressing concern for the injured passengers and promising a full investigation.
“We are deeply sorry for the distress caused to our customers and crew on Flight 762,” the airline stated. “The safety of our passengers and employees is our top priority, and we are working closely with aviation authorities to determine the cause of this incident.”
Boeing Under Scrutiny Once Again
The incident comes at a time when Boeing is already facing increased scrutiny over safety concerns. The aircraft manufacturer has been plagued by issues in recent years, including multiple high-profile crashes and mechanical failures.
Aviation expert Daniel Hawthorne weighed in on the potential causes of the sudden descent.
“This kind of altitude loss is rare, but not unheard of,” Hawthorne explained. “It could be due to turbulence, a malfunction in the flight control system, or even a depressurization event. Until a full investigation is conducted, we won’t know for sure.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have already launched an inquiry into the event. Investigators will analyze flight data, interview crew members, and inspect the aircraft for any mechanical faults.
Passenger Reactions and Legal Implications
For many on board, the experience has left lasting emotional scars.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get on a plane again,” said Lisa Nguyen, a student returning home from studying abroad. “That was the most terrifying experience of my life.”
Several passengers have already indicated they may pursue legal action against the airline or Boeing, citing emotional distress and physical injuries. Aviation attorney Michael Steinberg believes lawsuits are likely.
“If this was caused by a mechanical failure, both United Airlines and Boeing could be held liable for negligence,” Steinberg stated. “Passengers have a right to expect safe travel, and incidents like this undermine that trust.”
What Happens Next?
As authorities work to determine the cause of the incident, Boeing and United Airlines face renewed pressure to ensure passenger safety.
In the meantime, Flight 762’s passengers are left to process the traumatic experience—some grateful to be alive, others questioning whether they’ll ever step on a plane again.
United Airlines has offered compensation to affected passengers and assured them that their concerns will be addressed. However, for those who lived through the terrifying mid-air plunge, no amount of money can erase the memory of those harrowing seconds when the ground seemed to be rushing toward them.
For now, the investigation continues, leaving the aviation industry—and the flying public—eager for answers.