A United Airlines flight from Lagos, Nigeria, to Washington, D.C., was forced to make an emergency return after experiencing an unexpected aircraft movement midair. The incident, involving a Boeing 787-8, left 38 people injured, with six requiring hospitalization.
The flight, United Airlines Flight 613, departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 11:59 p.m. local time Thursday but returned to Lagos at 3:22 a.m. Friday following the emergency, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Video footage from the cabin verified by NBC News shows significant disarray, with meal trays and food scattered across the floor and some parts of the aircraft’s ceiling appearing damaged.
United Airlines confirmed in a statement on Saturday that the flight carried 245 passengers, eight crew members, and three pilots. The airline attributed the emergency to a “technical issue and an unexpected aircraft movement.”
Injuries and Response
The six hospitalized individuals included four passengers and two flight attendants, all of whom sustained what United described as “minor injuries.” However, Nigerian authorities categorized the injuries as “serious” and stated that the affected individuals were stabilized at local medical facilities before being transferred to Duchess Hospital in Ikeja for further treatment.
An additional 27 passengers and five crew members suffered minor injuries and were treated with first aid at the scene before being released.
FAAN officials reported that their medical team, led by senior staff, maintained communication with the flight crew prior to the aircraft’s landing. Firefighters and medical personnel were on standby when the flight returned to Lagos.
Flight History and Investigation
The flight spent 3 hours and 36 minutes in the air before returning to Lagos. This marks the second reported incident involving the same aircraft on the same route within three days, raising concerns about recurring issues.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) deferred inquiries to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and United Airlines. Both Nigerian and U.S. aviation authorities, along with United Airlines, are investigating the cause of the incident.
Despite the midair emergency, FAAN stated that the aircraft did not sustain significant damage. United Airlines reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with authorities to determine what led to the technical issues.
The incident highlights the importance of safety and preparedness in aviation, as FAAN’s swift response ensured the safety of passengers and crew during the emergency landing.
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