In a harrowing incident, passengers aboard LATAM Airlines Flight LA800 from Sydney to Auckland experienced a sudden and alarming descent, with unrestrained travelers thrown from their seats, some colliding with the cabin roof. The Chile-based airline has reported a “technical event” leading to a “strong movement” and is collaborating with authorities to determine the cause.
Auckland-based chef Lucas Ellwood, one of the 263 passengers on board, described the moment as fleeting yet impactful. He shared that individuals crashing into the cabin roof dislodged tiling, narrating the experience of a fellow passenger who was in the restroom during the incident and reportedly went through the roof.
Emergency crews were alerted before the flight’s landing, and a fleet of ambulances and medical vehicles rushed to the scene. Paramedics treated approximately 50 patients, with four individuals remaining hospitalized as of Tuesday morning.
LATAM Airlines confirmed in a statement that only one passenger and one crew member sustained injuries requiring additional care but are not life-threatening. Despite the turbulence, the flight arrived on schedule.
The Chilean General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics announced that New Zealand air safety investigators, with Chilean assistance, will lead the investigation into the incident. Air accident safety investigator Joe Hattley emphasized the rarity of technical problems in modern aircraft and highlighted the importance of the flight record in determining the nature of the event.
Passenger Brian Jokat recounted seeing a fellow traveler strike the plane’s roof before falling back and hitting his ribs on an armrest. Jokat reported the pilot mentioning a brief loss of instrumentation, indicating a sudden return.
Ashok Poduval, former commercial airline pilot and CEO of the Massey University School of Aviation, characterized the event as an ultra-rare “black swan event,” suggesting possibilities such as autopilot malfunctions or unexpected clear-air turbulence. The investigation, including analysis of digital flight data and cockpit voice recorders, will be crucial in reaching conclusions.
Boeing, the U.S. aircraft manufacturer, has faced a series of safety concerns, including the fatal crashes of 737 MAX planes in 2018 and 2019. Boeing expressed readiness to support investigation-related activities, as safety regulators scrutinize the company for quality control issues.
The incident comes amid broader challenges for Boeing, with recent emergencies and regulatory scrutiny affecting the company’s stock price, emphasizing the ongoing need for rigorous safety measures in the aviation industry.
