The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into a United Airlines flight that was forced to return to Lagos, Nigeria, following a “sudden aircraft movement” that left passengers and crew injured.
Flight 613, operated by a Boeing 787-8, was en route from Lagos to Washington Dulles International Airport on January 24 when the incident occurred. The NTSB revealed details of the event on Monday via social media platform X, while United Airlines described the issue as a “technical problem” rather than severe turbulence.
Minor Injuries Reported
According to United Airlines, four passengers and two flight attendants received treatment at a hospital for minor injuries. However, Nigerian aviation authorities previously reported that 38 individuals sustained injuries during the incident. The flight had a total of 245 passengers and 11 crew members on board.
Cause of the Incident Under Investigation
United Airlines has assured the public that it is collaborating with aviation authorities in both Nigeria and the US to determine the cause of the unexpected movement. The NTSB has announced plans to release a preliminary report on the incident within 30 days.
This investigation highlights the importance of ensuring passenger safety during unforeseen technical challenges.