United Flight 1157 Plunges 3,500 Feet Near LAX, Injuring Four Crew Members
United Airlines Flight 1157, traveling from Honolulu to Los Angeles, experienced severe turbulence during its descent on Wednesday night. The Boeing 777 dropped approximately 3,500 feet in one minute, injuring four flight attendants, one of whom was hospitalized. No passengers were injured, and the aircraft landed safely at LAX, though it remained on the tarmac for 30 minutes for medical attention.
Key points
- The incident occurred on United Flight 1157, a Boeing 777 carrying 190 passengers and 10 crew members, departing from Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
- The aircraft landed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 9:44 p.m. PT, approximately 20 minutes behind schedule.
- Four flight attendants were injured by the turbulence; one was transported to a hospital for further treatment, while the others received medical attention on the tarmac.
- United Airlines confirmed that no passengers were injured in the incident.
- The plane remained on the tarmac for at least 30 minutes after landing to allow for medical care and gate access.
Background
This incident follows a series of recent aviation events at LAX, including a Lufthansa 747 go-around in October 2026. It also occurs amid broader scrutiny of United Airlines operations, including recent reports of sexual assault incidents and network expansions announced in October 2026.
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. Patch and ABC7 highlight passenger accounts of a sudden drop and screaming, while the Los Angeles Times and Daily News focus on the flight data and official airline statements. ABC7 and Patch note that air traffic control audio suggested wake turbulence, a detail not emphasized by the LA Times or Daily News. All sources confirm the aircraft was a Boeing 777 and that the turbulence occurred during the final descent phase.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the risks of severe turbulence during landing approaches, particularly at major hubs like LAX. It highlights the vulnerability of flight attendants, who are often unrestrained during descent, and prompts questions about turbulence mitigation strategies and crew safety protocols in commercial aviation.
What to watch
United Airlines has not provided an update on the condition of the hospitalized flight attendant. The airline is expected to cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to investigate the cause of the turbulence, potentially involving wake turbulence from another aircraft. Passengers and crew may be contacted for further statements as the investigation proceeds.
- 'Everyone Was Yelling': United Flight Suddenly Drops Near LAX, Injuring 4 Patch
- United Airlines flight arrives at LAX after turbulence injures flight attendants ABC7 Los Angeles
- Severe turbulence hits L.A.-bound flight from Hawaii, injuring 4 flight attendants Los Angeles Times
- Turbulence injures 4 flight attendants on LAX-bound jetliner Los Angeles Daily News
- Plunging 3,600 Feet in Sixty Seconds: Inside the Terrifying United Flight 1157 Wake Turbulence Ordeal Over the Pacific cristinaiglesias.com
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Patch