A United Airlines flight bound for Washington, D.C., made an emergency landing in Lagos, Nigeria, on Friday, January 24, after experiencing an in-flight incident that left six people injured.
United Airlines flight UA-613, operated by a Boeing 787-8 registered as N27903, departed Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) en route to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) with 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots.
Approximately 93 minutes after takeoff, while over Ivory Coast, the aircraft made a sudden movement.
According to FlightRadar24 data, the aircraft deviated from its assigned flight level by approximately 150 to 175 feet.
Passengers reported that the aircraft dropped sharply three times during the meal service, causing some to hit their heads on the cabin ceiling. Video taken by passengers shows trays, food, and other objects strewn across the flight’s floor.
The flight subsequently turned around and returned to Lagos, landing safely about 100 minutes later. Four passengers and two crew members were transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries and have since been released, according to United Airlines.
In a statement, United Airlines described the event as an “unexpected aircraft movement” following a “technical issue.” The airline confirmed it is working with aviation authorities in the United States and Nigeria to determine the cause.
While the investigation is ongoing, United Airlines has stated that the incident was not caused by severe turbulence.
“Our flight from Lagos, Nigeria to Washington D.C. returned to Lagos after a technical issue and an unexpected aircraft movement,” United said in a statement.
“It landed safely in Lagos and four passengers and two flight attendants were seen at a hospital for minor injuries and have been released. We are working with aviation authorities in the U.S. and Nigeria to understand the cause.”
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed the incident to state-run Radio Nigeria, emphasizing that there were no fatalities. Passengers were reportedly accommodated in hotels.
FlightRadar24 data also shows that the same aircraft, operating as UA-613, was diverted on Tuesday, January 21, during a flight from Lagos to Washington Dulles. That flight experienced a rapid descent of 1,000 feet approximately 89 minutes after takeoff. It remains unclear whether the two incidents are related.
The aircraft involved in Friday’s incident remains grounded in Lagos as of Saturday, January 25. United Airlines said it is working to rebook affected passengers on other flights.
This incident follows a similar event in March 2023 involving a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787, where an investigation found that a pilot’s seat unexpectedly moved forward, causing the plane to dive. Following that incident, Boeing issued an advisory to airlines operating the 787, recommending inspections of cockpit seat switches.
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