On January 24, 2025, United Airlines Flight 613, a Boeing 787-800, experienced a sudden and unexpected descent approximately 93 minutes after departing from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, en route to Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport. This abrupt altitude change resulted in injuries to nearly 40 individuals on board.
Incident Details
The flight, carrying 245 passengers and 11 crew members, encountered a sudden descent that caused significant turbulence within the cabin. This unexpected movement led to baggage, personal belongings, and food trays being tossed around, creating chaotic scenes and distress among passengers. In the aftermath, 31 passengers and seven crew members reported injuries. Among them, six individuals—four passengers and two crew members—sustained serious injuries and were promptly hospitalized upon the aircraft’s return to Lagos. All hospitalized individuals were subsequently released after receiving medical attention.
Immediate Response
Following the incident, the flight crew made the decision to return to Lagos to address the situation. Emergency response teams at the airport were alerted and prepared for the aircraft’s arrival. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria confirmed that the aircraft landed safely at approximately 3:22 a.m. local time. Emergency medical personnel were on standby to assist the injured, ensuring swift medical attention for those affected.
Investigation and Preliminary Findings
United Airlines stated that the sudden descent was not due to turbulence and that they were collaborating with aviation authorities in both the United States and Nigeria to determine the cause. Preliminary investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that the aircraft experienced failures in its left and right inertial reference units. These critical navigation components malfunctioned, leading to the autopilot disengaging and causing abrupt altitude changes. This malfunction aligns with the sudden descent experienced during the flight.
Previous Similar Incident
Notably, the same aircraft had encountered a similar issue just days prior. On January 21, during a flight from Lagos to Washington D.C., the aircraft experienced a rapid descent of approximately 1,000 feet about 89 minutes into the flight. This incident also led to the flight being diverted back to Lagos. The recurrence of such events within a short span has raised concerns and prompted a thorough review of the aircraft’s systems.
Broader Context
The Boeing 787 model has faced scrutiny in the past regarding sudden mid-flight descents. For instance, in March 2024, a Latam Airlines flight experienced a rapid descent attributed to a pilot’s seat moving forward into the aircraft’s control column, causing the nose to drop. Such incidents have led aviation authorities to conduct reviews to enhance safety protocols and prevent future occurrences.
Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB, in collaboration with United Airlines and relevant aviation authorities, is conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the root cause of the January 24 incident. The focus is on understanding the malfunction of the inertial reference units and assessing whether there are systemic issues that need to be addressed to ensure the safety of future flights. The findings from this investigation are anticipated to contribute to improved safety measures and protocols in the aviation industry.