United Airlines passengers were minutes from landing in Los Angeles when their flight took a terrifying turn

• A terrifying turn occurred when a steep drop of over 3.6K ft in under 1 min injured 4 flight attendants aboard United Airlines flight 1157 during its final descent into Los Angeles.

• None of the 190 passengers suffered injuries on the Boeing 777 coming from Honolulu after departing at 1:00 p.m. local time, though witnesses reported crew members lifting from their seats.

• The FAA launched a formal investigation after the pilot reported probable wake turbulence to air traffic control, leading to 1 crew member’s hospitalization.

A United Airlines flight carrying 190 passengers from Honolulu was approaching its final destination on Wednesday night when an unexpected drop in altitude turned a peaceful transpacific journey into total chaos, leaving United Airlines passengers were minutes from landing in Los Angeles when their flight took a terrifying turn.

According to initial reports, United Airlines flight 1157 descended more than 3.6K ft in barely 1 min as the Boeing 777 made its scheduled approach toward Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); furthermore, although none of the occupants in the main cabin were injured, this sudden loss of altitude put high altitude emergency response protocols off the California coast to the test.

 

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Key factors surrounding the steep descent near LAX

• Air tracking records registered the severe drop aboard the United Airlines flight as the aircraft carrying 10 crew members approached its destination after departing Daniel K. Inouye International Airport around 1:00 p.m. local time.

• The Boeing 777 landed safely at LAX at 9:44 p.m. Pacific time, roughly 20 min behind schedule, before remaining stationary on the taxiway for over 30 min before reaching the gate.

• Medical teams awaited at the arrival gate but could not access the aircraft until taxiing concluded, forcing staff to deliver onboard first aid while all 190 passengers remained waiting inside.

Driven by the abrupt movement, this terrifying turn spread panic throughout the cabin; consequently, frightened travelers described screaming occupants and severe shaking as the violent displacement lifted individuals out of their seats without prior warning.

Passenger accounts and crew injuries during the terrifying turn

Recounting the frightening episode, San Diego resident Marly Wadlington recalled watching a movie when the plane suddenly plunged without warning, while traveler Coral Pena remembered hearing a loud boom before feeling the aircraft drop.

Adding further detail to the cabin chaos aboard the United Airlines flight, Lake Havasu resident Tami Dandoy observed 1 flight attendant bleeding from her head and leg, while other reports confirmed neck and back injuries alongside 1 passenger witnessing her travel companion almost strike the cabin ceiling; nevertheless, injured flight attendants received immediate medical attention on board while the aircraft remained holding on the tarmac, before emergency personnel evaluated all 4 crew members upon arrival and confirmed 1 required hospital transport.

Cockpit investigation into wake turbulence following a terrifying turn

Radio transmissions obtained by ATC recorded the exact moment the captain alerted controllers, reporting severe wake turbulence roughly 10 mi prior that lasted approximately 5 sec, a dangerous atmospheric phenomenon capable of generating rolling forces that exceed control limits and cause structural damage or severe injuries.

Addressing this terrifying turn in real time, the commander specified that 2 female flight attendants needed immediate care, prompting LAX controllers to dispatch paramedics directly to the gate; however, no official details confirmed the gender or specific ages of the other 2 injured crew members.

Shifting attention toward official oversight, federal authorities took swift regulatory action as the FAA launched a comprehensive investigation into the flight circumstances, examining how vortex wake currents caused this terrifying turn during an otherwise stable phase for the United Airlines flight.