A Delta Air Lines jet hit unexpectedly violent turbulence two weeks ago en route to Amsterdam. The pilots routed the bomber for an emergency landing at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. It was one of the first flights from Salt Lake City, Utah. It had to make an emergency landing because of extraordinary turbulence, which hospitalized multiple passengers.
The incident happened on a flight that was supposed to get people reconnected to their continuing trip across Europe. As reported by Delta Air Lines, 25 people were injured and taken to area hospitals for treatment and observation.
William Webster, a passenger on board the flight, described the turbulence as “the craziest turbulence I’ve ever seen in my life.” I remember him so clearly capturing that life threatening moment. Then, without warning, he began to find himself thrown from his seat as the craft abruptly lost or gained altitude.
I felt the centrifugal force. I was out of my chair for maybe 30 seconds with the turbulence,” Webster said. He saw a wine cart go flying through the air turbulence, making it real just how serious this incident truly was.
The flight crew immediately went to action given the sudden onset of turbulence. They put the needs of passengers before their own and coordinated for the plane’s emergency landing. Delta Air Lines thanked emergency responders who helped during and after the crash.
“We are grateful for the support of all emergency responders involved,” – Delta
Atmospheric scientist Paul Williams from the University of Reading told Business Insider that these turbulence events are becoming increasingly common. He noted that climate change could significantly impact flight safety, stating, “We can expect a doubling or tripling in the amount of severe turbulence around the world in the next few decades.”
The emergency landing at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel. Passengers and crew all went through a terrifying ordeal, but fortunately they got emergency assistance and care as soon as they landed.