A United Airlines Boeing 787-8 operating flight UA-613 from Lagos, Nigeria, to Washington Dulles was forced to turn back to Lagos after experiencing a sudden loss of altitude while cruising over Ivory Coast recently. The aircraft, carrying 245 passengers and 11 crew members, dropped approximately 150 to 175 feet twice during the incident.
According to a The Aviation Herald report, the unexpected altitude deviation occurred during meal service, causing turbulence severe enough for some passengers and crew to sustain minor injuries. A passenger reportedly hit his head on the ceiling, briefly losing consciousness. Emergency services treated multiple individuals upon landing, with six being taken to a hospital for further care. All have since been released.
United Airlines confirmed the aircraft returned to Lagos due to a technical issue, and medical assistance was provided to those affected. The aircraft remains grounded in Lagos as investigations continue, with the airline ensuring the safety of its passengers remains a priority.
This incident follows a similar case involving a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-9 on March 11, 2024, which lost over 300 feet of altitude over the Tasman Sea, injuring 50 passengers. Investigations attributed the LATAM incident to accidental activation of a cockpit seat switch, prompting Boeing and the FAA to issue safety advisories and mandates for cockpit inspections.
