FLORIDA- On Wednesday (April 3, 2024), a Southwest Airlines (WN) flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Florida due to encountering severe turbulence over the Gulf of Mexico. This incident resulted in injuries to two individuals onboard.
In a statement to FOX Weather, Southwest Airlines explained that Flight 4273 was diverted to Tampa International Airport (TPA) on Wednesday morning due to the turbulence. According to Southwest, two passengers sustained injuries during the flight and needed medical attention upon landing.
Southwest Flight Turbulence
According to data sourced from Flightaware.com, the flight was initiated from New Orleans, Louisiana, departing at 6:44 a.m., with its destination set for Orlando International Airport (ORD). However, it landed at Tampa International at 8:56 a.m.
In a statement, Southwest Airlines indicated that the Captain declared an emergency, necessitating a deviation from the initially filed flight plan.
Additionally, the Captain requested paramedics be on standby upon the aircraft’s arrival to assess potential injuries. Subsequently, two individuals were transported to a medical facility in the Tampa Bay area.
Radar observations displayed intense storms over the Gulf of Mexico around the midway point of the flight from New Orleans. Wednesday saw Florida and much of the East Coast grappling with thunderstorms and severe weather as a cold front moved eastward.
FOX 8 New Orleans stated that both a passenger and a flight attendant were among those injured.
Flight Delayed by 4+ Hours
Abrupt changes in airflow characterize turbulence. These irregular movements in the atmosphere generate air currents capable of unsettling passengers aboard an aircraft, with the potential to induce severe disturbances that may compromise aircraft control.
Southwest Airlines informed that customers reached Orlando with a delay of four-and-a-half hours.
“Despite the inconvenience caused by their delayed travel, ensuring the utmost safety of each flight remains our top priority,” stated the airline.
Following landing, the aircraft underwent inspection by mechanics, as per Southwest’s protocol.
United 787 Turbulence Injured 22
On Friday (March 29, 2024), a United Airlines (UA) Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner had to make an emergency landing at New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) due to what was described as “severe turbulence.”
Over 20 passengers sustained injuries, with seven of them requiring hospitalization upon landing.
Reports suggest the aircraft encountered strong winds when approaching Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Consequently, the plane decided to abort its landing at EWR, ascended several thousand feet, and redirected northward to SWF.
According to data from Flightradar24.com, the aircraft with registration N14016, identified as UAL85, operated its flight from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) in Tel Aviv, Israel.
United has recently come under scrutiny due to a series of safety incidents. Last week, the FAA announced plans to intensify its monitoring of United’s operations to ensure adherence to safety regulations.
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