Passengers injured after severe turbulence on Delta flight

On July 30, 2023, a Delta Air Lines flight en route from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam encountered unexpected severe turbulence while flying over Wyoming. Despite the pilots' attempts to avoid storms by altering their flight path and turning off the seatbelt sign to allow drink service, the airplane was suddenly thrown into severe fluctuations for approximately 2.5 minutes. As a result, passengers who were not buckled in were violently thrown against the ceiling and back onto the floor of the cabin, leading to a chaotic and alarming scene. The turbulence caught the pilots off guard, and they were unable to anticipate the severity of the conditions despite previous alerts. After the plane safely landed in Minneapolis, 24 individuals received evaluations from paramedics, with 18 transported to local hospitals. Among those injured were two crew members who sustained serious injuries, while five others experienced minor injuries. This incident has led the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to open an investigation into the pilots' decisions regarding the flight path and the timing of the seatbelt sign being turned off. Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti highlighted the force experienced during such turbulence, which he described as akin to a strong person lifting someone by their shoulders with all their strength. Passengers reported feelings of fear and instability during the ordeal, with many equating the experience to an earthquake. The severe turbulence incident underscores the increasing challenges that flights may face due to changing weather patterns linked to climate change, which could result in more frequent occurrences of turbulence. Historically, serious injuries from in-flight turbulence are rare, but this event raises questions about safety measures and the need for clearer guidelines for flight crews to follow in inclement weather conditions. Additionally, given the growing prevalence of severe weather events, airlines may need to reassess their protocols for in-flight safety during turbulent weather. Overall, this incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of flying and the potential hazards associated with severe weather phenomena.