A United Airlines flight encountered a harrowing situation over Wyoming, resulting in injuries to two passengers.
According to a Daily Mail report, the incident occurred on Thursday when United Airlines Flight 2428, a Boeing 757 traveling from Newark to San Francisco, was cruising at altitude over Wyoming.
The pilots were forced to take evasive action in response to a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alert, which serves as the final defense against mid-air collisions. Despite the fasten seatbelt sign being illuminated, one passenger was out of their seat at the time of the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the pilots were attempting to respond to the TCAS alert when the incident occurred. This system is crucial for preventing potential collisions in the air.
A United Airlines spokesperson provided insight into the situation, stating:
United flight 2428 was descending to SFO on Sept. 19 with the seatbelt sign on when it slowed its descent to account for another aircraft at a lower altitude.
The quick action taken by the pilots in response to the warning system highlights the importance of these safety measures in aviation.
Two passengers sustained injuries during the incident, with one reportedly suffering "serious" injuries. Both injured individuals were transported to a hospital for treatment, though their current conditions remain unknown.
Despite the mid-air scare, the flight managed to continue its journey and landed safely in San Francisco. The FAA has categorized this event as an accident, indicating the severity of the situation.
United Airlines expressed gratitude towards their crew, with a spokesperson stating:
We're grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers.
This incident marks the second time in a month that passengers have been injured on a United Airlines flight. In August, seven people were hurt due to severe turbulence on a flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Chicago, necessitating an emergency landing in Tennessee.
During the August incident, one passenger was hospitalized in non-critical condition, while six others declined treatment. The turbulence occurred while the airplane's seatbelt sign was illuminated, similar to the recent Wyoming incident.
These events underscore the unpredictable nature of air travel and the critical role that safety protocols and quick-thinking crew members play in managing potential crises.
In conclusion, the United Airlines flight from Newark to San Francisco faced a mid-air collision warning over Wyoming, resulting in two passenger injuries. The pilots responded to a TCAS alert by slowing the plane's descent. Despite the scare, the flight landed safely in San Francisco, with the FAA classifying the event as an accident.
