United 777 Plunges 3,600 Feet in One Minute During LAX Approach, Injuring Four Crew

Key points

• United Airlines Flight 1157, a Boeing 777 traveling from Honolulu to Los Angeles, encountered severe turbulence during its final descent on October 21, 2026.
• The aircraft carried 190 passengers and 10 crew members; four flight attendants were injured, with one requiring hospitalization.
• Flight tracking data from FlightAware indicates the plane dropped 3,675 feet in one minute during the last 20 minutes of the flight.
• The aircraft landed safely at LAX at 9:44 p.m., approximately 20 minutes behind schedule, and remained on the tarmac for at least 30 minutes.
• No passengers were reported injured, and United Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement without providing further details on the hospitalized crew member's condition.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of severe turbulence events in recent months, including an Avianca flight that diverted to Miami in October 2026 after injuring nine people. While turbulence injuries are not uncommon, the sharp vertical drop reported here highlights ongoing concerns about aircraft stability during descent phases.

How outlets are covering it

All four sources agree on the core facts: four flight attendants were injured, one was hospitalized, and no passengers were hurt. However, they differ slightly in emphasis. The Daily News and Los Angeles Times focus on the official airline statement and flight data, while ABC7 and Patch highlight passenger accounts of a sudden drop and loud bangs. ABC7 notes a pilot’s radio call suggesting 'wake turbulence,' a detail not mentioned by the other outlets. The Los Angeles Times provides the most precise altitude drop figure (3,675 feet) via FlightAware, whereas Patch cites a slightly lower figure (3,500 feet) from the California Post. All sources concur that the aircraft landed safely but remained on the tarmac for 30 minutes.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the risks of severe turbulence during critical flight phases, particularly descent. The significant vertical drop and injuries to crew members raise questions about weather monitoring and aircraft response protocols. While no passengers were harmed, the hospitalization of a crew member indicates the severity of the event, potentially prompting further review of turbulence safety measures by airlines and regulators.

What to watch

United Airlines has not announced any immediate changes to its operations or safety protocols in response to the incident. The condition of the hospitalized flight attendant remains unknown, and there is no indication of a formal investigation by the FAA at this time. Passengers and crew are expected to resume normal activities, though the incident may lead to increased awareness of turbulence risks among travelers.