The United Airlines flight was at around 40,000ft over Ohio when it suffered an issue. The pilot was forced to rapidly descend 10,000 ft in the US on Monday morning as passengers were left terrified
The incident happened on a United Airlines plane(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Terrified passengers on United flight 4166 were gripped by panic as their plane was hit with a “rapid decompression” at about 40,000ft, resulting in a swift 10,000 ft descent and the deployment of oxygen masks.
While cruising over Ohio, the pilots sprang into action when warning lights illuminated the cockpit around 7.45am local time – prompting a dive to safer altitudes and an impromptu landing in Detroit. As oxygen masks dangled from above, some shocked travellers took to X to praise the cabin crew for their exceptional handling of the crisis.
One relieved passenger commended, “Yo United, your crew did an amazing job with this (rapid depressurization) and unexpected visit to Detroit. Seriously! Flight Attendant did a fabulous job, kept everyone calm.”
Pilots sprang into action to land safely(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The flight, destined for Chicago, had its plans upended but thankfully concluded without any injuries as per LehighValley News.
Just last week, the stakes were high as hundreds aboard a Delta Air Lines jet suffered injuries during an emergency evacuation via inflatable slides, after a sudden cancellation of takeoff at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
A Delta spokesperson confirmed that the plane had encountered an engine issue. This incident occurred amidst a snowstorm that was causing extensive cancellations and delays at Atlanta, the world’s busiest airport.
Passengers thanked the crew for keeping them calm(Image: Getty Images)
It remains unconfirmed whether the freezing weather currently affecting parts of the US had any role in the problem. The 201 passengers, along with two pilots and five flight attendants, were evacuated from the Boeing 757-300 using inflatable slides and were transported back to a concourse by bus.
Among the four injured passengers, one was taken to a hospital, while the other three received treatment for minor injuries at the airport.