LATAM Airlines is collaborating with authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding a significant disturbance on a flight from Sydney to Auckland on Monday, prompting medical attention for 50 passengers and crew members. The aircraft, an eight-year-old Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, carrying 263 passengers and nine crew members, experienced a “technical fault,” causing an unexpected drop. According to passenger Brian Jokat, people were thrown from their seats, hitting the plane’s roof and aisles.
Reports indicate that some roof panels were damaged, resulting in injuries and bloodshed among passengers. New Zealand emergency services attended to the 50 individuals upon the flight’s arrival in Auckland. LATAM Airlines acknowledged the incident, stating that flight LA800 encountered a “strong shake,” and investigations into the cause are underway. Ten passengers and three cabin crew members sought medical evaluation, with the majority promptly discharged. Only one passenger and one cabin crew member required additional attention, but without life-threatening risks.
Four Australian passengers were among those transferred to the hospital. Jokat, who spoke to the pilot post-landing, recounted the pilot’s revelation that they temporarily lost control as the gauges went blank, but the situation rectified itself miraculously. LATAM Airlines and Boeing have been approached for comments on the pilot’s statement. Further details on the investigation are expected, with the airline emphasizing collaboration with authorities.
The incident occurred approximately an hour from Auckland without prior warning, catching passengers and crew off guard. Jokat described the unsettling experience, noting the absence of notifications and the sudden drop, causing chaos within the cabin. Lucas Ellwood, another passenger, highlighted the lack of communication and seatbelt warnings during the incident. He provided first aid to those around him, describing the aftermath as a mix of screaming, crying, and injuries. Despite periodic jolts during the remainder of the flight, the passengers applauded upon landing.
The cause of the abrupt change in trajectory for LATAM 800 remains uncertain, and safety experts stress the need for a thorough investigation, as most airplane accidents result from a combination of factors. Boeing expressed commitment to gathering more information and providing support to the airline. Notably, the incident draws parallels to a 2008 event involving a Qantas Airways Airbus 330, where faulty readings from a flight data computer led to a sharp drop and injuries.
