In a troubling incident that underscores the importance of air safety protocols, a final report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reveals that three flight attendants were seriously injured due to a failure by an air traffic controller to relay a turbulence warning. The event occurred on United Airlines Flight 1890, which was approaching Newark Liberty International Airport after a journey from Los Angeles on February 10, 2024.
Turbulence Encounter During Descent
The Boeing 777 unexpectedly encountered severe turbulence as it descended toward Newark, resulting in a chaotic scene within the cabin. Investigators have reported that the turbulence was so intense that it caused flight attendants to be thrown violently against the aircraft’s interior. One attendant suffered a spinal fracture after colliding with the ceiling before crashing down to the floor. Two others lost consciousness due to the force of the turbulence, sustaining serious injuries including a shattered femur and significant head trauma.
Passengers were also affected; those not wearing seatbelts were thrown upwards, including an adult in a lavatory and an infant being held, highlighting the dangers of not heeding safety instructions.
Failure to Communicate
The NTSB’s investigation revealed that the flight crew had taken appropriate precautions by reviewing weather forecasts and employing onboard weather tools. However, the lack of a real-time pilot report warning them of turbulence ahead severely limited their ability to prepare for the dangerous conditions they faced. The report noted that while forecasts indicated potential thunderstorms and unstable weather, the aircraft’s radar did not show significant turbulence along their descent path.
Just moments before Flight 1890 encountered the turbulence, another aircraft in the vicinity reported moderate turbulence to the air traffic controller. This crucial information, however, was not communicated to the United flight crew, as the controller was engaged in other coordination tasks and failed to acknowledge the report. Under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines, air traffic controllers are required to actively solicit and disseminate Pilot Weather Reports (PIREPs) when turbulence is reported. This oversight raises significant safety concerns, as these reports are designed to help pilots make informed decisions regarding their flight paths and ensure the safety of all onboard.
Regulatory Oversight and Accountability
The NTSB emphasised that their mandate is not to assign blame but to investigate incidents and improve aviation safety. The report noted that while the failure to share the PIREP could expose the controller to potential legal liability, the focus of the investigation was on understanding the circumstances that led to the incident, rather than attributing fault.
Newark Liberty International Airport has not issued a comment regarding the findings, and efforts to obtain a statement from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association have been initiated.
Why it Matters
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vital need for effective communication in aviation. With air travel becoming increasingly complex, ensuring that all safety protocols are adhered to is paramount for the protection of passengers and crew alike. The failure to relay crucial information not only endangered the lives of the flight attendants but also highlighted systemic issues within air traffic control procedures. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it is essential that such incidents lead to actionable changes that prioritise safety above all else.
