On Thursday, a United Airlines flight heading to Washington Dulles from Lagos declared an emergency and returned to Lagos due to a technical issue. The plane, a Boeing 787-8, experienced difficulties shortly after takeoff, prompting the crew to initiate an emergency landing.
The flight crew, after deciding to return, activated the emergency transponder code 7700, signaling distress to the control tower. This code remained active until the aircraft landed safely in Lagos.
The plane, registered as N27903, is over 13 years old and is a widebody aircraft operated by United Airlines. It was carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots. During the incident, some passengers reportedly sustained minor injuries.
Photos and videos shared by distressed passengers showed food items and luggage scattered throughout the cabin due to the turbulence experienced during the flight. The chaotic scene added to the distress of those on board.
The exact cause of the incident has not been confirmed at the time of reporting. However, passengers speculated that it might have been related to engine failure. Official investigations to determine the actual cause will be carried out by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
Speaking on the matter, Micheal Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed the incident. He stated that the passengers were accommodated in a hotel, as required by the aviation regulatory act.
“Yes, the incident occurred, but the passengers are safe. They have been lodged in a hotel according to NCAA regulations,” Achimugu said.
United Airlines also released a brief statement confirming the event and describing it as a “technical issue.” The statement clarified that after the plane landed safely in Lagos, emergency responders attended to reports of minor injuries among some passengers and crew members.
“Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington D.C. returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. After landing safely, first responders attended to reports of minor injuries to several passengers and crew,” the airline’s statement read.
The return of the flight caused significant concern among passengers and their families. Many passengers shared their fears and confusion during the ordeal, noting that the shaky flight created panic.
Investigations are expected to reveal more details about the cause of the emergency landing, as the NSIB continues to examine the situation. While the airline and relevant authorities work to resolve the issue, the incident has once again highlighted the importance of ensuring aircraft safety and responding swiftly to emergencies.
For now, passengers and crew can take some relief in the fact that the situation was handled without severe injuries or further complications.
