MEMPHIS- United Airlines (UA) Flight UA1196 executed an emergency landing at Memphis International Airport (MEM) on Wednesday, August 28, following severe turbulence.
The incident resulted in injuries to seven passengers, with one requiring hospital transport.
United Flight Turbulence
The Boeing 737, carrying 172 passengers and 7 crew members, departed from Cancun (CUN), Mexico, destined for Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Turbulence struck over New Orleans, prompting the crew to divert to Memphis.
According to Flight Radar 24 data, United Airlines flight UA1196 took off from Cancun at 5:26 PM UTC. After being airborne for around one hour and 20 minutes, the flight experienced severe turbulence. At that time aircraft were crossing the Gulf of Mexico and entering the US coast over New Orleans.
Following this, the flight crew decided to make an emergency landing at Memphis. The flight landed safely at MEM at around 7:41 PM UTC.
The aircraft involved in the incident is a Boeing 737-900ER registered as N66814. It is a 10.6-year-old aircraft powered by CFM56-7B engines.
Memphis Fire Department reported that while seven individuals sustained minor injuries, only one passenger was hospitalized in non-critical condition. The remaining injured passengers declined medical treatment.
Official Remarks
United Airlines confirmed the seatbelt sign was illuminated during the turbulence event. The airline commended its crew’s efforts in ensuring passenger safety and anticipated a swift departure to Chicago following the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the turbulence incident. Their statement confirmed the safe landing and outlined plans to examine the circumstances surrounding the event.
FAA in its statements for aviation incidents and accidents report stated,
United Airlines Flight 1196 landed safely at Memphis International Airport around 2:50 p.m. local time on Wednesday, August 28, after the crew reported severe turbulence over Louisiana. The Boeing 737-900 departed from Cancun International Airport and was originally headed to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The FAA will investigate.”
FAA Statement on United Airlines Flight UA1196 Turbulence
We have reached out to United Airlines for more information on the incident. We will update the post once we get their response.
Update: United told Aviation A2Z:
United flight 1196 diverted to Memphis this afternoon after encountering a brief period of severe turbulence while the seatbelt sign was on. Paramedics met the aircraft at the gate and transported one passenger to the hospital. We’re grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers.”
United Airlines Statement on flight 1196 turbulence incident
Similar Incidents
On June 18, 2024, a United Airlines Boeing 777-200 encountered severe turbulence during its flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Kahului (OGG), Hawaii. The Aviation Herald reports that the intense, gusty conditions triggered the automatic deployment of oxygen masks. The aircraft, bearing registration N777UA, is one of the oldest operational Boeing 777s, having served for 29.2 years.
Earlier this month, an American Airlines (AA) Tampa (TPA) to Charlotte (CLT) flight experienced severe turbulence, injuring two flight attendants. The flight landed safely at Charlotte and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported the incident and is under investigation.
Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) poses a significant challenge for aviation. This sudden, severe turbulence occurs in cloudless regions, causing violent aircraft buffeting. CAT typically occurs above 15,000 feet, often between jet streams and surrounding air
What are your thoughts on the rise in Turbulence incidents? Did you experience severe turbulence on your flight? Let us know in the comments.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
The post United Cancun-Chicago Flight Turbulence, 7 Injured, Emergency Landing in Memphis appeared first on Aviation A2Z.