Incident Overview

In a startling occurrence, two passengers were injured on United Airlines Flight 2428 as pilots responded to a critical collision warning system while descending into San Francisco International Airport from Newark, New Jersey, last Thursday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since initiated an investigation into the incident.

Collision Avoidance Action

According to United Airlines, the flight was nearing its destination when it experienced a Traffic Collision Avoidance System Resolution Advisory (TCAS RA), prompting the pilots to alter their descent to ensure safety. This urgent action was taken to avoid a potential collision with another aircraft flying at a lower altitude.

Injuries Reported

The FAA's incident report indicates that one passenger sustained serious injuries, while another suffered minor injuries. Both individuals required hospitalization following the event. Eyewitness reports confirm the incident occurred at an altitude of 31,000 feet, approximately 70 miles from San Francisco, near Lake Berryessa. Data from FlightRadar24 revealed that a Southwest Airlines flight was positioned 3,000 feet below United's aircraft, while a SkyWest plane flew 1,000 feet below it.

Emergency Declaration

In official statements, the FAA noted that there was “no loss of safe separation” between the aircraft involved. However, the seriousness of the situation was underscored when the pilots declared a medical emergency to air traffic controllers. Audio captured from LiveATC.net revealed that they reported a passenger potentially having a broken ankle and others being injured due to the abrupt maneuvers.

Passenger Safety Concerns

United Airlines confirmed that the seatbelt sign was active at the time; however, one of the injured passengers was reportedly out of their seat during the incident. This raises pressing questions about passenger safety protocols during flight operations.

Investigation Status

While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has not yet initiated a full investigation, a spokesperson stated that they are in the process of gathering preliminary information related to the incident.

Conclusion and Future Implications

As air travel continues to grow busier, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and the need for continuous training for flight crews in emergency situations. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!