Severe Turbulence on JetBlue Flight Sends 8 to Hospital

Severe Turbulence Strikes JetBlue Flight, Sending 8 to the Hospital

A JetBlue flight encountered severe turbulence Monday while flying over South Dakota, leading to an emergency landing and sending eight people, including a crew member, to the hospital.

Details of the JetBlue Flight Turbulence Incident

JetBlue flight #976 was traveling from Boston to Sacramento with 152 passengers and crew on board when it experienced sudden and frightening turbulence around 30 minutes before landing in Sacramento. According to passengers, the plane dropped dramatically for several seconds, throwing unbuckled passengers and crew around the cabin.

Oxygen masks were deployed in the cabin as the pilots navigated through the patch of extreme turbulence. Eight people suffered injuries, including the flight attendant, and were transported to local hospitals once the plane had touched down safely at Sacramento International Airport.

Injuries Suffered Due to the Turbulence

The exact nature and extent of the injuries has not been disclosed publicly, though they are reported to be non life-threatening. According to JetBlue, seven passengers and one cabin crew member were injured. Injuries included bumps, bruises, and lacerations from being thrown around the airplane cabin.

Several passengers described seeing "blood all over the plane" after people were thrown into luggage compartments and against walls and armrests. The turbulence happened suddenly and without warning, leaving crew and passengers unable to brace properly.

JetBlue's Response to the Incident

JetBlue has stated that the crew handled the difficult situation professionally according to safety procedures and protocols. The airline also said it will be conducting a thorough inspection of the Airbus A-320 aircraft before returning it to service.

"The safety of our customers and crew members is JetBlue's first priority," said a JetBlue spokesperson in a statement. "Our teams have mobilized to provide assistance, and we are conducting a full review into what happened."

The airline said it will also assist federal investigators in determining precisely what caused such an unusual and intense bout of mid-flight turbulence.

What Causes Severe Airline Turbulence?

While occasional light or moderate turbulence is common when flying, severe turbulence can be exceedingly rare but also extremely dangerous if encountered unexpectedly.

Common Causes of Severe Turbulence

There are a few typical meteorological circumstances that can create patches of painful, severe turbulence at airline cruising altitudes high up in the atmosphere:

• Jet streams - Narrow bands of extremely fast blowing air currents.
• Convective activity - Powerful updrafts and downdrafts within tall thunderstorm clouds.
• Mountain waves - Chaotic air movement around mountain ranges.
• Wake turbulence - Turbulent air spinning off other planes flying nearby.

Predicting and Avoiding Bumpy Skies

Modern passenger jets have advanced radar systems that allow pilots to effectively see and avoid convective storm activity and associated areas of strong turbulence. However, clear air turbulence caused by more subtle atmospheric conditions can occasionally be almost impossible for even sophisticated aviation computers and weather equipment to accurately forecast.

In those rare instances, pilots have no choice but to guide the aircraft straight through the patch of turbulence to regain smooth air as soon as possible. The seat belt sign will always be turned on any time there's a possibility of hitting unsettled air.

Turbulence Safety Tips for Airline Passengers

While turbulence accidents are very uncommon, you can still reduce your chances of injury by taking some commonsense precautions while seated:

Listen to Flight Crew Instructions

Pay attention to cabin crew announcements about expected turbulence or instructions to safely buckle up your seatbelt or halt food and drink service. Complying promptly with all crew member guidance is vital for your safety.

Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened

Make sure to keep your seat belt tightly secured around you even while seated after the seat belt sign has been turned off. Unexpected turbulence can strike anytime, giving you just seconds to brace.

Stow Personal Items Securely

Don't leave anything loose under seats or rattling around in overhead bins. Tightly pack all luggage and secure bins. Loose projectiles zooming through the cabin present a major hazard during intense turbulence.

By listening carefully, buckling up early and often, and stowing gear securely, you can rest easier knowing you've minimized chances of injury no matter how rough the ride gets.

FAQs

What flight experienced severe turbulence?

JetBlue flight #976 from Boston to Sacramento encountered sudden severe turbulence around 30 minutes before its scheduled landing.

How many people were injured by the turbulence?

Eight people total were injured, including 7 passengers and 1 cabin crew member. Injuries ranged from bumps and bruises to lacerations.

What causes severe turbulence on airplanes?

Common causes include jet streams, thunderstorms, mountain waves, and wake turbulence from nearby flights. Advanced radar helps pilots avoid turbulent areas when possible.

How can airline passengers stay safer in turbulence?

Key tips include listening to crew instructions, keeping seat belts fastened at all times, and securely stowing personal items and carry-on luggage.