NTSB investigates “Suddenly Aircraft Movement” on the United Airlines flight that injured dozens

The National Transportation Safety Board examines, after a United Airlines flight experienced “Sudden Airplane Movement”, leaving dozens of passengers and crew wounded, including six people admitted to the hospital.

United Airlines Flight 613 Wing from Lagos, Nigeria to Washington Dulles International Airport Friday when the incident happened, NTSB said on social media. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-800, flew in the Côte d’Irte’s airspace when it experienced what United and NTSB have called “sudden airplane movement.” The flight then returned to Lagos and landed around 1 p.m. 03.20 local time.

In Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the aircraft was greeted by medical respondents, firefighter services and aviation safety, federal airport authority in Nigeria said in a news message. The agency said the respondents were in standby just four minutes after the aircraft’s pilot reported distress. The respondents were on the spot before the plane landed, According to Faan.

Of the 245 passengers on board had 31 injuries. Four passengers had “inflicted serious injuries,” Nigerian officials said and were transported to an area hospital. Another 27 passengers had minor injuries and were treated at clinics. There were also eight flying and three pilots. Two crew members were admitted to the hospital and another five reported minor injuries, but did not specify what roles these crew had.

The aircraft itself was not damaged in the incident, Faan said.

NTSB said a preliminary report on its study will be available online in about 30 days.