A routine transatlantic flight turned into a scene of sheer terror for passengers aboard a United Airlines jet this week, with one British woman providing a harrowing firsthand account of the ordeal.
Emma Johnson, a passenger on United Flight UA15 from London Heathrow to Newark, New Jersey, described a sudden and violent bout of severe turbulence that catapulted her into the cabin ceiling. The incident left her physically injured and profoundly shaken.
'It was absolute chaos,' Johnson recounted. 'One moment we were cruising, the next it felt like the plane dropped from underneath us. I was thrown from my seat and smashed my face on the overhead panels. The force was incredible.'
The extreme G-forces were so intense that Johnson, along with several other passengers, suffered involuntary physical reactions. 'I wet myself during the incident, it was that violent and sudden,' she revealed, highlighting the sheer lack of warning and the traumatic nature of the event.
The Boeing 767-300, carrying over 200 passengers and crew, encountered the clear-air turbulence approximately three hours into its journey across the Atlantic. Cabin crew who were preparing the meal service were caught off-guard, with one attendant reportedly screaming in pain after being injured.
Aftermath and Emergency Response
Following the incident, the flight deck crew declared a medical emergency and continued to Newark Liberty International Airport, their intended destination. Upon landing at approximately 11:30 AM local time, emergency services including paramedics and fire crews were waiting on the tarmac to assist.
Multiple injured passengers were evaluated and transported to local area hospitals for further treatment. Johnson sustained injuries to her face and neck and is being treated for severe shock.
'This was by far the most frightening experience of my life,' she stated. 'You never think it will happen to you. The crew did their best, but no one was prepared for that.'
A Growing Concern for Air Travel
Aviation experts note that while turbulence-related injuries are rare, incidents of severe clear-air turbulence may be on the rise, potentially linked to changing climate patterns. This event serves as a stark reminder for all passengers to keep their seatbelts securely fastened whenever seated.
United Airlines has stated it is fully investigating the incident and is providing support to the passengers and crew members affected by the traumatic event.
