Front of a LATAM Airlines plane.Photo:DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty
DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty
Boeing has sent a reminder out to all 787 operators afterLATAM airlines flight LA800 experienced a severe mid-air dropon Monday during its flight to New Zealand from Australia.
A motorized feature that pushed the pilot’s seat forward was then initiated, causing the pilot to bump into a control that directed the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner’s nose downward, per the outlet.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Boeing says: “We have taken the precautionary measure of reminding 787 operators of a service bulletin issued in 2017 which included instructions for inspecting and maintaining switches on flight deck seats.”
They add that the investigation of the flight is ongoing, and that “We are recommending operators perform an inspection at the next maintenance opportunity.”
LATAM Airlines declined PEOPLE’s request for comment until the investigation is complete.
LATAM Airlines plane flying in the air.Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty
Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty
The plane was heading to Auckland from Sydney when it experienced a “strong shake” mid-journey, according to apress releasefrom the Chile-based airline.
After the plane landed safely at Auckland Airport at approximately 4:26 p.m, emergency medical serviceHato Hone St Johnrushed to the scene.
The organization confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement that their “ambulance crews assessed and treated approximately 50 patients.” While most injuries were “moderate to minor,” they said one passenger was left “in a serious condition.”
In total, 14 Hato Hone St John units responded, including “seven ambulances, two operations managers, two Major Incident Support Team vehicles, one Command Unit, and two rapid response vehicles.”
Auckland Airport.Bradley White/Getty
Bradley White/Getty
Passenger Brian Jokat, 61, recalled the terrifying experience toNBC Newsfollowing the incident.
“Everything was going well,” Jokat said. “Then all of a sudden, the plane took a nosedive down.” He added, “People were flying out of their seats, hitting the roof, being thrown back four or five aisles back.”
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The flight was carrying a total of 263 passengers and nine flight and cabin crew members. LATAM Airlines confirmed to PEOPLE that 10 passengers and 3 cabin crew members were taken to Middlemore Hospital after Hato Hone St John assessed the injured.
source: people.com
