Investigation begins after 50 injured when pilots ‘lost control’
New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has begun an air accident investigation into an abrupt mid-air drop which injured dozens of passengers.
A LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 suffered a sudden descent while flying from Sydney to Auckland, injuring over 50 people.
The plane was carrying 263 passengers and nine crew members.
Several people were transported to hospital and one remains in a serious condition.
The TAIC has taken possession of the cockpit flight recorder to determine the cause.
It was reported a technical problem caused a ‘strong movement.’
“Some passengers and cabin crew were affected. They received immediate assistance and were evaluated or treated by medical staff at the airport as needed,” an airline spokesperson said.
Passengers on the flight spoke of the ‘terror’ as dozens of people were flung around the cabin.
“There was a massive air pocket, and about 30 to 40 people have gone flying up in the air,” passenger Max Dineley said.
US authorities are also monitoring the investigation as from information released so far, it seems to have possibly been a ‘malfunction’ that may have never occurred before.
The pilot indicated the drop was caused by a cockpit instrument failure.
After pilots regained control of the aircraft, it landed safely in Auckland an hour later.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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