A passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight has filed a lawsuit claiming severe turbulence left her 'deeply traumatized,' according to court documents. Natalie Russell, 48, filed the case on Wednesday at King County Superior Court in Washington, following a flight between Seattle and Phoenix on December 26, 2024.
Allegations Against Crew
Russell alleges that crew members were well aware the plane was flying 'into danger' but chose not to divert the path, according to the lawsuit reviewed by the Daily Mail. The passengers and crew reportedly received several warnings about worsening turbulence, yet the flight continued.
Russell claims the experience left her in 'extreme distress' as she 'feared for her life.' The Boeing 737 'violently and dramatically plunged' more than 200 feet in just a few seconds, she alleged. The suit states that due to the severe turbulence and violent shaking, Russell sustained injuries to her neck, head, and back.
Chaos Onboard
Passengers were jerked from their seats, and their heads were smacked against overhead bins despite wearing seatbelts, the suit alleged. Russell witnessed other passengers hitting their heads on the ceiling. 'Her cell phone flew out of her hand, her ear buds popped out, her drink spilled, and she started crying from the terror,' the filing stated. The impact allegedly caused parts of the ceiling to fall, which Russell photographed. Another passenger commented that the flight 'looked like a war zone.'
According to the lawsuit, cabin crew were 'laying on the floor' throughout the bumpy ride. 'Flight attendants were seen bleeding profusely as they screamed and moaned loudly, clearly in extreme pain,' the filing said. Previous reporting indicated that four crew members were hospitalized following the flight, per the Seattle Times. As Russell exited the aircraft, she alleged one flight attendant was still collapsed on the floor, possibly partially paralyzed or permanently injured.
Investigation Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the flight. According to their reports, a 'Significant Meteorological Information' advisory was issued for Flight 700. 'The pilots declared a medical emergency and elected to continue to Phoenix, after determining that a diversion to the nearest airport would result in routing through the area of expected turbulence,' read the preliminary investigation. FlightAware data showed a 300-foot altitude drop in 90 minutes over Nevada. The Safety Board noted two flight attendants were seriously injured, with no mention of passenger injuries.
Aftermath and Legal Action
Russell's brother took her to Urgent Care after landing. She continues to suffer neck pain, stiffness, frequent headaches, and mental anguish, trauma, and shock. She now experiences significant anxiety and distress regarding air travel. Her attorney, Mark Lindquist, told the Daily Mail that airlines 'have the highest duty of caring for the safety of their passengers. Safety comes before schedules. In this flight, Alaska Airlines pilots received repeated warnings of severe turbulence and dangerous weather. They flew into it anyway.'
Russell seeks financial compensation for injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma. The lawsuit does not specify the amount. Alaska Airlines issued a statement saying they do not comment on ongoing litigation, adding, 'Safety is our highest priority, and we take all reports and incidents involving turbulence seriously.'
