Overview
• Operator: United Airlines
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
• Registration: N27903
• Flight Number: UA-613
• Route: Lagos (Nigeria) to Washington Dulles (USA)
• Date: 24 January 2025
• Occupants: 245 passengers, 11 crew
• Injuries: 38 total (6 requiring hospitalization)
• Damage: None reported
Incident Summary
United Airlines flight UA-613, operating a Boeing 787-8, was cruising at FL360 over Ivory Coast, approximately 170 nautical miles northwest of Abidjan, when the aircraft unexpectedly deviated from its assigned altitude by approximately 150-175 feet downward on two separate occasions.
The sudden loss of altitude occurred while meal service was in progress, causing several passengers and crew members to be thrown into the air. Reports indicate that some passengers struck the ceiling, and at least one individual was temporarily rendered unconscious.
Following the event, the flight crew elected to turn back to Lagos, Nigeria, where the aircraft landed safely approximately 100 minutes later. Emergency services attended to 38 injured passengers and crew, with six individuals requiring hospital treatment.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise Phase
• The aircraft was enroute at FL360 over Ivory Coast when two sudden altitude deviations occurred.
• Altitude loss of 150-175 feet was recorded on both occasions.
2. Injuries Onboard
• Meal service was in progress when the sudden altitude loss occurred.
• Passengers and crew were thrown into the air, causing multiple injuries.
• One passenger reportedly hit their head on the cabin ceiling and lost consciousness.
• A total of 38 people were injured, including 4 cabin crew members and 2 passengers with serious injuries.
3. Decision to Return to Lagos
• The crew elected to return to Lagos for medical and technical assessment.
• The aircraft landed safely 100 minutes after the incident.
4. Emergency Response
• Emergency services were on standby at Lagos Airport upon arrival.
• Medical teams provided treatment to injured passengers and crew.
• Six individuals were transported to hospitals for further care.
Investigation & Possible Causes
• Atmospheric Disturbance (Clear Air Turbulence)
• The sudden altitude deviations suggest potential clear air turbulence (CAT), a phenomenon common at cruise altitude where severe turbulence occurs without visible weather indicators.
• If autopilot was engaged, the system may have attempted to compensate for unexpected turbulence-induced pitch or roll inputs, causing sudden altitude variations.
• Flight Control System Anomaly
• The aircraft’s autopilot and flight control systems will be reviewed for possible malfunctions leading to abrupt altitude fluctuations.
• Structural & Systems Assessment
• No visible external or internal damage to the aircraft has been reported.
• Maintenance teams are conducting a full diagnostic check on the aircraft’s flight control systems, altitude sensors, and autopilot functions.
Regulatory & Airline Response
• United Airlines Statement:
• The airline confirmed that the aircraft returned to Lagos due to a technical issue.
• First responders attended to several minor injuries onboard.
• Nigeria’s Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) Statement:
• FAAN confirmed that 38 individuals were injured, with six requiring hospitalization.
• NTSB & Ivory Coast Investigation:
• The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been delegated the investigation by Ivory Coast’s AIB.
• The NTSB will release a preliminary report within 30 days.
• The event has been classified as “sudden aircraft movement leading to injuries of passengers and cabin crew”.
Aircraft Status & Next Steps
• The Boeing 787-8 remains grounded in Lagos for thorough inspection and investigation.
• The airline will conduct a detailed review of flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) data.
• Passenger compensation and medical assistance are being coordinated by United Airlines.
Safety Considerations & Recommendations
• Flight Crew Training & Awareness
• Pilots should remain vigilant for unexpected turbulence events and prepare cabin crew for possible sudden altitude shifts.
• Cabin Safety Measures
• Cabin crew should ensure passengers remain seated with seatbelts fastened whenever possible during cruise flight.
• Improved communication procedures may help alert passengers to potential turbulence risks before they occur.
• Aircraft Systems Inspection
• Maintenance teams must thoroughly inspect the flight control system, autopilot settings, and turbulence-detection mechanisms.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 27 January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
