Joy Emeh
Updated on: October 14, 2024 6:50 pm GMT
A United Airlines flight bound for San Francisco experienced a harrowing incident last week when the pilots had to respond to a collision warning, resulting in injuries for two passengers. The close call is raising concerns about safety protocols in the aviation industry, especially as it follows a series of troubling incidents involving United flights this year.
Near Collision Leads to Passenger Injuries
On September 19, 2024, United Airlines Flight 2428, traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), was nearing its destination when the pilots received a traffic collision avoidance alert. The alert, known as a Traffic Collision Avoidance System Resolution Advisory (TCAS RA), prompted immediate action from the crew to prevent a potential mishap. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the United flight was descending into SFO at around 12:45 PM when the crew detected another aircraft at a lower altitude, approximately 31,000 feet over Lake Berryessa, about 70 miles north of the airport.
“During the descent, the pilots slowed the aircraft to maintain safe separation from another flight,” an FAA spokesperson noted. Despite the evasive maneuver, two passengers reported injuries. One person was seriously injured, while the other experienced minor injuries. United Airlines indicated that these individuals were subsequently taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Safety Remains a Priority
United Airlines expressed gratitude for the crew’s actions during the incident. “We’re grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers,” the airline stated in a briefing. The FAA confirmed that “there was no loss of safe separation,” suggesting that minimum safety distances between aircraft were maintained throughout the incident.
In the moments following the near miss, audio captured from the aircraft showed pilots alerting air traffic controllers about the situation, mentioning that a passenger might have broken an ankle due to the sudden maneuver. “The seatbelt sign was on at the time of the incident, and one passenger was out of their seat,” United commented.
Investigation Underway
Following the incident, the FAA has launched an investigation to determine the precise details surrounding the near miss and the subsequent injuries sustained by passengers. As of now, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has not initiated its own inquiry but is collecting preliminary findings.
This near-miss incident has drawn attention amidst a pattern of troubling occurrences involving United flights recently. Earlier this year, the airline dealt with multiple emergencies, including diversions and mechanical issues.
Additional Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
The troubles for United Airlines in 2024 have not gone unnoticed, and many are expressing concern over the string of events. Just last month, a United flight destined for Rome was diverted twice within two days due to a mechanical issue. The first diversion occurred in Sacramento, California, with the aircraft eventually returning to SFO due to the issue. The second diversion led to an unexpected landing in Alberta, Canada, due to a medical emergency on board.
Earlier incidents included:
- A flight from Frankfurt, Germany, needed to return due to a maintenance issue with the lavatories.
- An international flight to Paris diverted to Denver owing to an engine issue.
- A Boeing 737-800 had a missing fuselage panel after leaving San Francisco, raising alarms about aircraft maintenance standards.
In response to these issues, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby confirmed that the airline is reviewing various incidents and intensifying training for its pilots.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
As air travel resumes to pre-pandemic levels, it’s crucial for passengers to remain informed about safety protocols and incident responses. Here are some key takeaways from the recent United Airlines incident:
- Stay Seated: Always adhere to seatbelt signs during flight, especially during descent or turbulence.
- Report Issues: Notify flight attendants immediately if you experience any discomfort or injuries.
- Stay Informed: Pay attention to announcements from the flight crew regarding safety protocols.
Understanding these protocols can help passengers feel more prepared and secure during their travels.
Conclusion
A recent close call with United Airlines Flight 2428 shows how important safety is in flying. The FAA is looking into what happened, and the way the airline and its crew handled the situation shows they care about keeping passengers safe. Even though flying is usually very safe, there can still be problems. It’s important for passengers to pay attention, listen to the crew, and keep safety in mind while flying. The steps taken now can help make air travel even safer and ease worries in the airline industry.
