The year 2024 saw its fair share of travel tales, with some journeys proving more memorable than others. From equipment malfunctions to passenger misconduct, here's a look back at some of the most noteworthy airline incidents of the year.
A Door Ajar at 16,000 Feet
On January 5th, an Alaska Airlines flight departing Portland experienced a sudden depressurization when a plug door panel detached at 16,000 feet. Videos circulating online showed the alarming scene of wind rushing into the cabin as concerned passengers braced themselves. The pilots skillfully returned the aircraft to Portland without any major injuries. This incident sparked a lawsuit against the airline and intensified scrutiny of Boeing, the aircraft's manufacturer. Then-Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures.
Tragedy in Sao Paulo
A devastating crash in August claimed the lives of over 60 passengers and crew aboard a Voepass flight in Brazil's Sao Paulo state. The aircraft, en route from Cascavel, plummeted into a residential area. Chilling video footage captured the plane's final moments, showing a vertical descent and spiraling motion. Aviation experts suggested a potential mid-air stall as a possible cause of the tragedy.
Waterworks on an American Airlines Flight
A December American Airlines flight from Dallas to Minneapolis encountered an unexpected plumbing issue when a lavatory leak flooded the cabin aisle. Passengers resorted to lifting their belongings to avoid the spreading liquid, described as "disgusting" by one traveler. The leak persisted for the duration of the three-hour flight, creating an uncomfortable experience for those on board.
Winging It to Denver
In February, a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Boston was diverted to Denver after a passenger noticed and filmed damage to the aircraft's wing mid-flight. The passenger recounted experiencing intense shaking before observing the damaged wing. The flight landed safely in Denver to address the issue, and passengers were transferred to another plane to continue their journey to Boston. The incident involved damage to a wing slat, a crucial component for takeoff and landing.
Turbulence with an Unruly Passenger
An American Airlines flight in January was diverted after a passenger allegedly assaulted a flight attendant. The incident, which occurred on a flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to Bozeman, Montana, began with a complaint about a passenger kicking the seat in front of him. The situation escalated when the passenger reportedly punched a flight attendant multiple times. The flight was diverted to Amarillo, Texas, where the passenger was removed.
