A United Airlines flight bound for Houston was diverted to Memphis on August 29, 2024, due to severe turbulence, leaving seven passengers injured. The incident occurred during United Airlines Flight 1476, which had departed from Newark Liberty International Airport en route to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The Boeing 737 aircraft encountered turbulence over the southern United States, prompting the flight crew to request an emergency landing at Memphis International Airport.
According to passengers, the turbulence struck without warning, causing sudden and intense jostling. Many on board were not wearing seat belts at the time, leading to several injuries. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with passengers being thrown from their seats, overhead bins popping open, and items flying around the cabin. Medical personnel were waiting on the ground when the plane touched down safely in Memphis. The injured were treated on-site by paramedics and taken to local hospitals for further evaluation. While the injuries ranged in severity, none were reported to be life-threatening.
United Airlines issued a statement confirming the diversion and expressing concern for the injured passengers. The airline emphasized that safety is its top priority and that it would work with authorities to investigate the incident. The flight continued to Houston after the injured passengers were disembarked in Memphis. The FAA has also announced that it will be reviewing the circumstances surrounding the turbulence.
Turbulence, while a common occurrence during flights, can sometimes be severe, particularly during unexpected weather events. This incident serves as a reminder for passengers to keep their seat belts fastened whenever they are seated, as even brief periods of turbulence can result in injuries.