Flight FR 9887 hit by severe turbulence mid-air
Passengers on a Liverpool-bound Ryanair flight have described the terrifying moment the plane dropped 300 feet in seconds, throwing people into the ceiling. The incident occurred on Friday, July 10, on flight FR 9887 from Alicante to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
The flight took off at 6.05pm, later than its scheduled 4.35pm departure. About an hour into the journey, severe turbulence struck. One passenger told the Liverpool ECHO: "We all thought we were going to die. The pilot said it dropped 300 feet in a couple of seconds."
Passengers and crew thrown into the roof
The turbulence caused passengers and cabin crew to be thrown upwards, hitting the ceiling. The same passenger recounted: "Everyone was screaming and crying. Air hostesses went up in the air. The plane levelled off for a couple of seconds then dropped again. The second time was absolutely terrifying."
Passengers reportedly held onto each other's shoulders to prevent further injuries. The aircraft diverted to Nantes Airport in France, where it landed normally. Emergency services were on the runway to assist.
Injuries and medical treatment
Multiple people were injured. One passenger said a girl was placed on a stretcher, and an air hostess was taken to hospital with a knee injury. Ryanair confirmed the diversion and stated: "A replacement aircraft was arranged and departed for Liverpool at 12.20am local time."
The captain described the event as severe turbulence. The flight eventually reached Liverpool after the delay.
