USA Turbulence Chaos: Delta Flight's Emergency Landing Nightmare

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of CNN

 

A terrifying bout of turbulence on a Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam led to an emergency landing in Minnesota, and 25 people were hospitalised. Passengers described chaos as service carts and unbelted individuals flew through the air during the ordeal. The flight touched down safely at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, where medical teams awaited.

 

Passenger Joseph Carbone recounted gripping his wife’s hand, convinced the plane was doomed. Items were hurled into the air, with a flight attendant nearly hitting the ceiling. Federal aviation forecasts had earlier hinted at turbulence over southwestern Wyoming, likely the area impacted.

 

Delta confirmed 25 passengers received hospital evaluations, with all seven crew members released by noon Thursday. It remains unclear whether all passengers needing hospitalisation have been discharged. Health systems HealthPartners and Allina Health managed the treatment and assessment of those affected.

 

Witness William Webster, a frequent flyer, described it as "the craziest turbulence" of his life. He noted phones and wine carts being tossed about while maintaining his grip on his belongings. Delta managed the aftermath by providing care and accommodations.

 

The turbulence struck in three waves, intensifying from mild to severe. Apologies from the pilot followed as he explained the unexpected nature of the turbulence at cruising altitude. Relief followed, as Delta arranged hospitality and rebooked flights for affected travellers.

 

Ricardo Hoogesteger shared the frightening experience of feeling weightless amidst flying carts and spilt liquids. Fellow passenger Leslie Woods recounted efforts to calm a frightened child. With a keen sense of danger, Woods described the turbulence as akin to an earthquake.

 

Delta commended its staff for their handling of the tense situation. The plane landed around 7:25 p.m. local time, with airport emergency responders providing immediate assistance. Grateful statements from Delta highlighted the vital role of emergency crews.

 

Warnings from the National Weather Service indicated the potential for thunderstorms in the region. An aviation weather advisory, known as a SIGMET, was in effect as the aircraft encountered turbulence over Wyoming. Thunderstorms had grown significantly by the time of the incident.

 

Flight data revealed the aircraft’s rapid altitude changes: climbing by over 1,000 feet in seconds, followed by a swift descent. It then diverted to Minneapolis-St. Paul, landing safely after altering course.

 

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, with a preliminary report expected soon.

 

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the safe landing and pledged to investigate further. While turbulence is common, the FAA warns of potential dangers for unbelted passengers. Past incidents highlight the serious risks turbulence poses, underscoring the importance of safety precautions.

 

This episode serves as a poignant illustration of the unpredictability of air travel and the critical role of preparedness and safety protocols. Delta and emergency services efficiently handled the incident, ensuring passengers received necessary care. Investigations will follow to ensure continued improvement in managing such in-flight emergencies.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-08-02

 

[impulse]

I'd like to see lawsuits filed against anyone who wasn't strapped in and caused injury to someone who was.

 

[Smokey and the Bandit]

On every flight I have been on the pilot always says, keep your seat belt fastened, unless you have to leave your seat, there is a reason for this!!

[Tug]

I allways keep mine fastened unless I’m out of my seat.glad no one was seriously hurt .

[Celsius]

I aways wondered what if you have to $h1t and you can't leave your seat. Then you soil yourself and 💩 flies everywhere 

[pacovl46]

Just like in cars, seatbelts are key! 

[LukKrueng]

57 minutes ago, Smokey and the Bandit said:

On every flight I have been on the pilot always says, keep your seat belt fastened, unless you have to leave your seat, there is a reason for this!!

Yet most people (not me...) ignore the pilots and remove the seatbelt

[gargamon]

9 minutes ago, LukKrueng said:

Yet most people (not me...) ignore the pilots and remove the seatbelt

Rubbish. 25 unbelted on this flight and injured, i believe 8 of them flight attendants. How many passengers? 17 is hardly most.

[stevenl]

6 minutes ago, gargamon said:

Rubbish. 25 unbelted on this flight and injured, i believe 8 of them flight attendants. How many passengers? 17 is hardly most.

To add, some of those 17 were in the bathroom or on the way to the bathroom. 

[BusyB]

3 hours ago, stevenl said:

To add, some of those 17 were in the bathroom or on the way to the bathroom. 

 

I thought once about putting seat belts in the bog ... but then I realized how disgusting they'd become within a very short time. Just look at the floors in there sometimes - some can't even find the hole and don't sit down anyway.

[Will B Good]

Just now, BusyB said:

 

I thought once about putting seat belts in the bog ... but then I realized how disgusting they'd become within a very short time. Just look at the floors in there sometimes - some can't even find the hole and don't sit down anyway.

 

Staggers me that a sophisticated, highly evolved, intelligent species, such as humans, can't use a toilet without leaving it filthy.

 

I blame Biden.

[BonnieandClyde]

Federal aviation warnings - "hints" is the evasive term used - about turbulence over SW Wyoming were ignored or lost in translation.

Delta Airlines has long had an aggressive DEI program.

Time to take a close look at who was responsible for this avoidable near disaster.

[PETERTHEEATER]

4 hours ago, stevenl said:

To add, some of those 17 were in the bathroom or on the way to the bathroom. 

They have bathrooms on Delta flights? What happens to all that water during turbulence?

[Ralf001]

2 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

They have bathrooms on Delta flights? What happens to all that water during turbulence?

splashes onto the floor!

[Briggsy]

Great opportunity to score some extra food.