A LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, operating flight LA800 from Sydney to Auckland, encountered a significant technical issue on Monday, March 4th, leading to injuries among at least 50 passengers, as reported by the New Zealand Herald. Despite the ordeal, the aircraft managed to land safely in Auckland, proceeding with its planned route to Santiago, Chile, later on.
The incident, described as a “strong movement” by a LATAM spokesperson, was attributed to a sudden and undisclosed technical problem. The event affected not only passengers but also crew members on board. According to passenger Brian Jokat, the aircraft experienced a momentary loss of control when the “gauges went blank,” leaving the pilot temporarily unable to steer the airliner. The airline had earlier referred to the occurrence as “a technical event” that prompted the severe jolt.
The flight, carrying 263 individuals from Sydney, was nearing Auckland when passengers experienced the frightful turbulence. An American passenger recounted to CNN how the captain, visibly disturbed by the incident, explained that the control panel had momentarily failed but quickly regained functionality, allowing for the restoration of normal systems.
The abrupt descent resulted in a dozen passengers being hospitalized for injuries sustained as they were tossed around the cabin, with many reporting head traumas from hitting the overhead compartments. An additional 35 to 40 individuals received on-site medical attention from paramedics at Auckland Airport. The Dreamliner was at an altitude of 41,000 feet and approximately an hour away from completing the three-hour journey to Auckland when the mishap occurred. The subsequent leg of the journey from Auckland to Santiago was postponed to the following Tuesday.
This alarming event underscores the critical importance of aircraft maintenance and the swift resolution of technical issues to ensure passenger safety and confidence in air travel.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, avweb.com
