Injuries and Chaos on Delta Flight: 18 Passengers Hurt by Turbulence That Threw Them into the Ceiling

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Delta Flight Battles Extreme Turbulence, Passengers Injured

September 10, 2025

A Delta Air Lines flight traveling from Salt Lake City to amsterdam experienced a harrowing ordeal on July 30th as it encountered unexpectedly severe turbulence over Wyoming. Passengers were violently thrown upwards, impacting the cabin ceiling and sustaining injuries, according to a preliminary report released Tuesday by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Unexpected Encounter with Extreme weather

Despite pilots diverting their course to circumvent anticipated thunderstorms, the aircraft flew directly into a region of intense atmospheric disturbance. The turbulence lasted approximately two and a half minutes, catching the flight crew by surprise. At the time, the seatbelt sign was deactivated, and cabin service was underway, contributing to the chaos as passengers, flight attendants, and loose objects were tossed about the cabin.

The flight was later diverted to Minneapolis, where emergency medical personnel evaluated 24 individuals.Eighteen passengers were transported to local hospitals for treatment.Two crew members suffered serious injuries, while five others sustained minor wounds. Authorities confirmed that during the most intense period of turbulence, passengers experienced forces up to 1.75 times their body weight.

The Force of the Turbulence

Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti, formerly with the NTSB and FAA, explained the impact of such forces. “That’s a lot of force. It’s akin to a powerfully built individual attempting to lift you with significant strength,” Guzzetti stated. “When standing during this level of turbulence, an individual will be propelled upwards towards the ceiling, then forcefully returned to the floor.”

Guzzetti further noted that enduring turbulence for that duration would have felt like an eternity for those onboard. The NTSB’s inquiry revealed that the aircraft’s wing dipped as much as 40 degrees at one point, a maneuver that would have undoubtedly alarmed passengers.

Passengers corroborated this account. Leslie Woods, a passenger on the flight, described a sudden descent and the violent trajectory of a drink cart. She recounted the fear experienced by a young girl nearby, who repeatedly exclaimed, “We’re going to die.” Another passenger, Leann Clement-Nash, stated, “People hit the ceiling and then fell to the ground. Carts also struck the ceiling, and individuals were injured. This occurred multiple times,which made the situation quite frightening.”

Investigation and Contributing Factors

The preliminary report indicates that the pilot had switched off the seatbelt sign and flight attendants had begun beverage service just before the encounter. The pilots had requested a route change from air traffic controllers to avoid known storm systems. However, NTSB data shows the aircraft ultimately entered a region identified as the most severe part of the storm on National Weather Service radar imagery.

The NTSB is now investigating whether sufficient precautions were taken by the pilots and crew to mitigate the risks associated with the approaching weather system, and whether deactivating the seatbelt sign was prudent given the circumstances.

Rising concerns About Turbulence

While serious injuries from in-flight turbulence remain rare, scientists suggest that such events may become more frequent due to climate change impacting jet stream patterns. Several turbulence incidents have already been recorded this year, adding to worries surrounding aviation safety, particularly following a January mid-air collision over Washington, D.C., that resulted in 67 fatalities, and a plane crash in Toronto in March.

Incident	Date	Location	Severity
Delta Flight Turbulence	July 30, 2025	Creston, Wyoming	Moderate to Severe (18 hospitalized)
Mid-Air Collision	January 2025	Washington, D.C.	Catastrophic (67 fatalities)
Plane Crash	March 2025	Toronto, Canada	Severe (Aircraft flipped over)

Did You Know? Clear-air turbulence, the most risky type, is often invisible and challenging to detect with current radar technology.

Pro Tip: Always keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you are seated on an aircraft, even if the seatbelt sign is off.

Are you more likely to fly after reading this? What further safety measures do you think airlines should implement?

Understanding Turbulence and Staying Safe

Turbulence is caused by changes in air currents. These can stem from atmospheric pressure, jet streams, or even the wake of other aircraft. While pilots are trained to identify and navigate around most turbulence, unexpected encounters, like the one experienced on the Delta flight, can occur.

Here are some steps you can take to stay safe during turbulence:

• Always wear your seatbelt: Even when the sign is off.
• Secure loose items: Stow carry-on luggage securely.
• Listen to the crew: Follow their instructions.
• Stay calm: Panic can worsen the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turbulence

• What is turbulence?

  Turbulence is irregular motion of the atmosphere, causing a bumpy ride for aircraft.

• Is turbulence dangerous?

  While unsettling, most turbulence is not dangerous. Serious injuries are rare, but can occur.

• Can pilots avoid turbulence?

  Pilots use weather radar and reports from other aircraft to navigate around most turbulence, but unexpected encounters can happen.

• Is turbulence becoming more common?

  Some scientists believe climate change might potentially be contributing to an increase in clear-air turbulence.

• What should I do during turbulence?

  Keep your seatbelt fastened and follow the instructions of the flight crew.

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What safety precautions could passengers have taken to minimize injury during teh turbulence?

Injuries adn Chaos on Delta flight: 18 passengers Hurt by Turbulence That Threw Them into the Ceiling

Understanding the Incident & Initial Reports

On September 9th, 2025, a Delta Air Lines flight encountered severe turbulence, resulting in injuries to 18 passengers and crew. The incident occurred over the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 150 miles from Newfoundland, Canada, during a flight from Amsterdam to Atlanta (Flight DL199). Reports indicate the aircraft, a boeing 767-300ER, experienced a sudden and meaningful drop in altitude, throwing unbuckled passengers into the cabin ceiling.

The severity of the turbulence was described as “extreme” by passengers, with some comparing it to a freefall sensation. Initial reports suggest the turbulence was a result of a clear-air downdraft – a sudden and powerful downward rush of air that is tough to detect with current weather radar technology.

Passenger Injuries: A Breakdown

The injuries sustained by passengers varied in severity. Medical personnel on board attended to those affected, and upon landing in Atlanta, several passengers were transported to local hospitals for further treatment.

Here’s a breakdown of reported injuries:

Head Injuries: The moast common injury reported, likely due to passengers impacting the ceiling and cabin structures. Concussions were suspected in multiple cases.

Fractures: Several passengers sustained broken bones,including wrists,arms,and ribs.

Lacerations: Cuts and abrasions were reported, primarily from impacts with the cabin interior.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains,strains,and bruising were widespread among those affected.

Minor Injuries: Numerous passengers reported bumps, bruises, and general discomfort.

The Federal Aviation Management (FAA) is currently investigating the incident, focusing on the factors that contributed to the severity of the turbulence and the effectiveness of the aircraft’s warning systems.Delta Air Lines is cooperating fully with the examination.

clear-Air Turbulence: The Invisible Threat

Clear-air turbulence (CAT) remains one of the most significant hazards in aviation. Unlike turbulence associated with visible weather systems like thunderstorms, CAT occurs in clear skies, making it incredibly difficult for pilots to anticipate and avoid.

Key facts about CAT:

Formation: Frequently enough forms near jet streams or areas of strong wind shear.

Detection: Difficult to detect with customary radar; pilots frequently enough rely on pilot reports (PIREPs) from other aircraft.

Severity: Can range from light bumps to extreme jolts capable of causing serious injuries.

Increasing Frequency: Some studies suggest CAT might potentially be increasing in frequency due to climate change, altering atmospheric patterns.

Delta Flight 199: Timeline of Events

While the investigation is ongoing, a preliminary timeline of events has emerged:

1. Normal Flight Conditions: The flight departed Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on schedule.
2. Encounter with Turbulence: Approximately 8 hours into the flight, while cruising at 33,000 feet, the aircraft encountered unexpected and severe turbulence.
3. Immediate Response: The flight crew promptly activated the seatbelt sign and attempted to stabilize the aircraft.
4. Medical Assistance: Cabin crew provided first aid to injured passengers.
5. Diversion Not Required: Despite the severity of the turbulence, the flight continued to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
6. Post-Landing Medical Care: Upon arrival, paramedics were on standby to assist injured passengers.

Safety Recommendations & Best practices for Passengers

Following this incident, and in light of the increasing risk of CAT, here are crucial safety recommendations for air travelers:

Always Wear Your seatbelt: Even when the seatbelt sign is off, keeping your seatbelt fastened is the single most effective way to protect yourself during unexpected turbulence.

Heed Crew Instructions: Pay close attention to announcements from the flight crew and follow their instructions promptly.

Secure Loose Items: Stow carry-on luggage securely in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Know the location of emergency exits and familiarize yourself with the aircraft’s safety features.

Report Turbulence: If you experience turbulence, inform the flight crew, even if it seems minor. This information helps pilots and air traffic controllers warn other aircraft.

The Role of Technology in Turbulence Detection

Researchers are actively developing new technologies to improve turbulence detection and prediction. These include:

Lidar Systems: using laser technology to detect atmospheric disturbances.

Advanced Radar: developing radar systems capable of penetrating cloud cover and identifying clear-air turbulence.

Data Analytics: Utilizing machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of atmospheric data and predict turbulence hotspots.

Improved PIREP Systems: Enhancing the collection and dissemination of pilot reports to provide