In a shocking turn of events, the Boeing Company once again finds itself in the midst of controversy following an unforeseen incident that injured 50 passengers. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner nosedived on its journey from Australia to New Zealand, causing injuries to dozens of passengers. Thirteen individuals were subsequently hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
(Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
'Technical Problem' Led to Unexpected Airplane Nosedive
A LATAM Airlines Group flight encountered a notable disturbance after departing Sydney, Australia, due to what the airline labeled as a "technical problem" with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The incident prompted a vigorous shake on board, leading to the hospitalization of ten passengers and three crew members from the LA800 flight. Despite the severity of the incident, the airline reported no life-threatening injuries, with only one passenger and one cabin crew member requiring additional attention.
Passengers described the ordeal as a sudden drop in altitude, resulting in a chaotic scene inside the aircraft. Brian Jokat, a passenger on the flight, recounted instances of broken ceilings and injuries sustained by fellow travelers, including cuts and bleeding.
The Boeing Company issued a statement acknowledging the incident and expressed its commitment to gathering more information to provide necessary support to LATAM.
LATAM Airlines Group, in response to the incident, asserted that it is collaborating with investigators examining the event. The airline apologized to affected passengers and is actively engaged in the ongoing inquiry.
Simultaneously, a formal investigation has been launched by Chilean authorities, specifically the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil. New Zealand officials are also participating in the investigation, confirming the retrieval of black boxes to aid in understanding the circumstances surrounding the unsettling incident.
Boeing Faces Escalating Technical Challenges
Boeing faces further complications as recent incidents, such as a Boeing 737's emergency landing due to engine troubles and a Boeing 777-200 losing a tire post-takeoff, contribute to the company's existing troubles with technical issues.
Notably, a Boeing 737 MAX 9 encountered a violent explosive decompression event in January, prompting a return to the Portland, Oregon, airport. Boeing is actively investigating the most recent incident, expressing its commitment to gathering information and providing necessary support to its customer.
How Can An Airplane Nosedive?
In 2022, a similar unfortunate event happened when a Chinese commercial aircraft carrying 132 passengers suddenly descended almost vertically while flying at normal speed and altitude. Within two minutes, the Boeing 737-800 plummeted from 29,000 feet, crashing into the mountains of Teng County in southern China's Guangxi province.
The lack of survivors makes the crash potentially the country's worst commercial aviation disaster in over ten years, leaving experts puzzled over possible causes such as mechanical issues, extreme turbulence, or an intentional act.
Former Japan Airlines captain Hiroshi Sugie likened the crash to Alaska Airlines Flight 261, both involving a nosedive before a fatal crash. The 2000 accident, caused by a jammed horizontal stabilizer, resulted in the loss of all 88 lives on board.
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