Calgary,AB (Canada) to Phoenix,AZ (USA), was enroute at FL370 about 140nm north of Salt Lake City,UT (USA) when the aircraft encountered turbulence causing injuries to two flight attendants and a passenger. The crew decided to divert to Salt Lake City for a safe landing about 25 minutes later.
City.A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration C-FYBK continued the flight to Phoenix reaching Phoenix with a delay of 6:15 hours.
The occurrence aircraft positioned back to Calgary departing Salt Lake City about 6 hours after landing and resumed service about 12 hours after landing in Salt Lake City.**Severe Turbulence Strikes WestJet B738 Near Salt Lake City, Injuring Three Passengers**
A WestJet Boeing 737-800, en route to its destination, encountered severe turbulence near Salt Lake City, leading to the injury of three passengers. The incident occurred during what appeared to be a routine flight, reminding the aviation industry and the traveling public of the unpredictable and sometimes hazardous nature of in-flight conditions.
The Flight and Route
The WestJet B738 was flying a scheduled route when it hit turbulence over Salt Lake City, Utah. Turbulence is a common phenomenon in air travel, caused by several factors, including sudden changes in wind speed and direction, weather systems, and air currents. In most cases, pilots are able to navigate around or through turbulent air with minimal disruption to passengers and crew. However, the intensity of the turbulence encountered on this flight was significant enough to cause alarm.
Immediate Response to Turbulence
As the plane experienced sudden and unexpected turbulence, passengers who were not seated or securely fastened were affected the most. Reports suggest that the fasten seatbelt sign had been illuminated, but some passengers were still moving about the cabin when the turbulence hit. The sudden jolt resulted in three passengers being thrown into the air and sustaining injuries.
Upon encountering the turbulence, the flight crew immediately took action to ensure the safety of all passengers. The pilots reported the incident to air traffic control, and the cabin crew rushed to assist the injured and secure the rest of the passengers.
Medical assistance was requested upon landing, and emergency services were ready at the airport to treat the injured passengers. Fortunately, the injuries sustained were not life-threatening, and the passengers were treated promptly upon arrival.
Nature of Injuries
The three passengers who were injured during the turbulence experienced a range of injuries, mostly related to being thrown from their seats or into hard surfaces. While initial reports did not indicate the exact severity of the injuries, the fact that emergency services were called upon landing indicates that the turbulence was serious enough to cause concern. Passengers were examined for concussions, bruises, and possible fractures.
Turbulence-related injuries typically occur when passengers are not seated or wearing seatbelts. Head injuries, sprains, and broken bones are common when passengers collide with objects or are thrown from their seats. This incident underscores the importance of remaining seated and buckling up, especially when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.
Flight Crew Response
The response of the flight crew to the turbulence was swift and professional. The pilots, upon realizing the severity of the turbulence, took immediate measures to stabilize the aircraft and ensure the safety of all passengers. The cabin crew’s actions were equally commendable, as they assisted passengers during the ordeal, providing reassurance and support. Once the turbulence subsided, they ensured that the injured passengers received the necessary medical care.
WestJet, known for its commitment to passenger safety, issued a statement expressing its concern for the passengers and crew affected by the incident. The airline reiterated its adherence to strict safety protocols and assured that the injured passengers were receiving appropriate care. WestJet also emphasized that the safety and well-being of its passengers remain its top priority.
Understanding Turbulence
Turbulence is a natural and often unpredictable occurrence in flight, caused by disruptions in the airflow around the aircraft. It can be triggered by factors such as jet streams, thunderstorms, and even mountain ranges. In most cases, turbulence is not dangerous to the structural integrity of the plane, but it can be uncomfortable and, in severe cases like this one, lead to injuries.
Modern aircraft are designed to withstand a significant amount of turbulence, and pilots are trained to manage turbulent conditions safely. Despite this, turbulence remains one of the most common causes of passenger anxiety during flights. Severe turbulence, like the kind experienced on this WestJet flight, is less common but can be alarming when it occurs.
Pilots receive real-time weather information and reports from other aircraft, allowing them to anticipate areas of turbulence and take action to avoid it when possible. In this case, it is not clear whether the turbulence could have been predicted or avoided, but the flight crew handled the situation with professionalism and ensured the safety of everyone on board.
Importance of Safety Protocols
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following in-flight safety protocols, especially during times of turbulence. Passengers are advised to keep their seatbelts fastened whenever seated, as turbulence can occur without warning. Flight crews routinely remind passengers of this, but it is crucial that travelers take these advisories seriously.
Turbulence-related incidents, though relatively rare, highlight the importance of preparation and caution during air travel. Passengers should always be mindful of the safety instructions provided at the beginning of each flight, and cabin crews are trained to assist in the event of unexpected situations.
The turbulence incident involving the WestJet B738 near Salt Lake City is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of adhering to safety measures. While turbulence is often unavoidable, passengers and crew can reduce the risk of injury by following safety protocols and staying vigilant.
The airline’s prompt response and the crew’s professionalism helped mitigate what could have been a far more serious situation. Although three passengers were injured, the outcome could have been much worse without the quick actions of the crew and the passengers’ cooperation.
WestJet continues to investigate the cause of the severe turbulence and will work with relevant aviation authorities to ensure that similar incidents are minimized in the future. Passengers can rest assured that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, despite the occasional challenges posed by nature.